Retaining Identity: the role of creativity in healthcare is a community engagement course offered in the Penny W.Stamps School of Art & Design at University of Michigan.  Created by Associate Professor Anne Mondro, the course explores the benefits of creativity and the potential of art to aid the human spirit during times of illness and disease.  Partnering with University of Michigan Geriatric Center’s memory loss programs, students work collaboratively with community members to create art and learn from each other.  This blog is created by the students and staff at UM Silver Club and Elderberry programs to inspire others to be creative and use art as a vehicle for expression and a way to maintain one’s identity.