Richard Powers, 65, is a self-taught artist who teaches painting at Arts Ensemble International. He is one of three artists-in-residence at AEI. His subjects include images of historic Florida and nature. Powers, who is a native Floridian, resides in Frostproof.
What is the program "Healing Through the Arts" at Arts Ensemble International all about?
Art can be very therapeutic, it can do a lot of positive things. Dr. Aryn Bush (cognitive aging psychologist, USF Polytechnic) and Stefanie Thompson (program specialist for the Alzheimer's Association, Florida Gulf Coast Chapter) piloted this art program therapy program for patients with Alzheimer's and dementia. It's based on a program in New York. Artists from AEI started going over to assisted living facilities, and I've worked at one called Savannah Cottage. We're going to resume that in September, and we also have classes here at AEI.
How did you become involved in the program?
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lewis Wright, 90, works on a painting at Arts Ensemble International.
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I met Dr. Bush and Stephanie, and immediately there was a spark. I love art and love teaching and working with people, and what the two of them are doing is very important. Then I started working with a group of Alzheimer's patients. They are very special people; they touch my life in so many ways.
What are some of the difficulties faced by these individuals, in terms of art?
These are basically people whose thought processes may be impaired, and their motor skills are not good. Sometimes, it's a real challenge for them.
What I try to get them to do is use their thought processes as much as they're capable. I try to work with them and lead them.
What are some difficulties you face?
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Artist Richard Powers offers a bit of advice to Healing Arts participant, Austin Thompson.
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I'm not really supposed to take their hands. I'm supposed to let them do it on their own, so I try other methods. For example, I worked with one woman, and I said, "How about we draw together? Let's draw a cat." I drew some simple circles to make a cat, and encouraged her to follow the line, and she did it, to the best of her ability. She started laughing! Then we did some other animals, and I told her they needed a place to live, so she drew that. She was laughing and having a good time. It's also hard for me not to spend 30 minutes of a session with one person, I'm struggling with that.
Also, I'm blind in my left eye, and have problems with my right eye, so I don't see anything sharp and distinct. I use magnifier goggles to work up close when I'm painting in the studio. Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to do as much detail. But I can work with people, and I try to pass on what I've learned to others. Hopefully, they'll get the same enjoyment out of it that I do.
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Valerie Dupris works on a painting.
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What are some of the rewards of working with people with Alzheimer's?
There's one woman whose work is displayed in our gallery. When she first started, all she'd do was paint circles. She'd be three or four inches away from the canvas or the paper, but she'd be content. One day, I said to her, "Today, we're going to paint." I held the brush and let her put a hand on mine, and she followed my movements. And we painted together. There's another fellow, I was told I'd probably never get him to do anything, but the second time he came in, I had him painting.
Things like that makes me feel good. It's my way of giving back to society as much as I can, with the talent I have. If I can give an hour of my time, and give them that little bit freedom, it's all worthwhile.
When will classes start up for the fall, and who can attend?
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Norman Law finishes up a military-themed work of art.
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Stephanie Thompson is setting up an office in AEI, and then we'll be doing classes here in September for patients and caregivers in our classroom, or in my studio if the groups are small. There's also a small group here the first and third Monday. The program is open to anyone in Polk County.
For details about art therapy for Alzheimer's patients, call AEI Director Jane Waters at 863-293-2700, or Stephanie Thompson, program specialist for the Alzheimer's Association, Florida Gulf Coast Chapter, at 863-688-4834.
