Lester Potts’ Art to be Featured in Chicago Exhibit

The National Museum of Health and Medicine Chicago will present an exhibit during the month of June entitled “Bringing Art to Life: Expressive Art and Design in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Patient Care” featuring the watercolors of Lester E. Potts, Jr. and poetry of Cognitive Dynamics Founder and President, Daniel C. Potts, MD, FAAN.  

Mr. Potts began painting only after the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, and produced some 100 watercolors over a 3 year period while attending Caring Days Adult Dementia Daycare Center in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.  His work has been presented at the Alzheimer’s Association’s International Conference (AAICAD) in Paris, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s national conference, and  the David W. Streets Gallery in Beverly Hills, among other venues.  In addition, it has been featured in the LA Times, Neurology Now, Best Alzheimer’s Products, Seasons of Caring and in recently published textbooks of Behavioral and Geriatric Neurology.

Bringing Art to Life seeks to continue a dialogue about how art can be used to enhance the lives and care of people with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. The exhibit will look at art and design as expressive therapies for the neurodegenerative patient, as well as techniques to enhance the effectiveness of caregiving. Research by Dr. Elizabeth Barber will also be featured in the exhibit; Dr. Barber has studied how artwork and interior design can help motivate and provide a beneficial neurological environment especially for people with Parkinson’s and ease the lives of both patients and their caretakers.