We talk a lot about moments in this line of work--moments of clarity, beauty, understanding. It seems the long-lasting search in science to untangle the intricacies of Alzheimer's disease and dementia illustrates the importance of programs like AFTA’s--programs that promote artistic and creative expression for elderly people with psychological and physical impairments. Consider the accomplishments of Willem de Kooning, whose brain increasingly betrayed any sustained artistic reasoning during the last decade of his life. His paintings garner a similar mood as the poetic musings, movements, drawings, or singing by those with dementia in AFTA workshops; minimalist and organic, these glimpses of memory and life, however fleeting, render moments of lucidity amidst confusion and loss. For those whose lives are affected by the insidious onset of dementia and Alzheimer's—patients, caregivers, AFTA artists—a moment's beauty is immeasurable.

AFTA artists bring dedication and creativity to their workshops. Using a plethora of artistic mediums--paint, pencil, clay, song, dance, movement, poetry, piano, guitar, drums, harmonica--AFTA artists help seniors discover creativity and self-expression: Finding smiles during times that challenge peace; conjuring hope in climates of uncertainty; and imparting solace for their precious and lifelong contributions to the community.