FTD In The Arts
FTD In The Arts returns after it premiered at AFTD’s Annual Education Conference in 2024. This curated display explores how individuals facing FTD utilize artistic expression to navigate their evolving realities. Embark on a journey of exploration through photography, painting, music, poetry, tapestry, and more. Ignite your curiosity, empathy, and understanding as we celebrate the resilience and creativity of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Please browse through this gallery for 2025
Sponsored by:
Patches
Agneta Bränberg, Sweden
Patches, 2022
Oil on Canvas
Agneta Bränberg, from Umeå, Sweden, has painted for over 20 years to process life’s challenges. Her husband Kenny, diagnosed with FTD, now lives in a nursing home, allowing Agneta moments of calm and reflection through her art.
Waiting
Agneta Bränberg, Sweden
Waiting, 2022
Oil on Canvas
Agneta Bränberg, from Umeå, Sweden, has painted for over 20 years to process life’s challenges. Her husband Kenny, diagnosed with FTD, now lives in a nursing home, allowing Agneta moments of calm and reflection through her art.
Joan, a Wonderful Girl
Alan H. Simon, CA
Joan, a Wonderful Girl, 2017
Poetry
Alan, Joan’s husband, writes poetry to navigate the emotional journey of her FTD diagnosis, using words to cope, connect, and endure.
Reflection
Alyssa Nash, IA
Reflection, 2025
Oil on Canvas
Alyssa Nash helped care for her father, Tom, through his FTD diagnosis and discovered at 20 that she carries the c9orf72 gene. After years of emotional struggle, she has found her way back to art. It is her way to create, hope, and wish, serving as a reminder that FTD will not take her light.
Beautiful Moments
Amanda Norris, AL
Beautiful Moments, 2025
Photography
Amanda Norris is the daughter of someone affected by FTD. Her work honors the experience of loving—and losing—through the lens of this disease.
Black Citadel
Amy Sheng Kohler, PA
Black Citadel, 1985
Oil On Canvas
Amy holds a BFA from the University of California, Berkeley, and an MFA from the Art Institute of Chicago.
Frankie
Amy Shives, WA
Frankie, 2019
Photography
Amy Shives was diagnosed with FTD after a 25-year career as a counselor. She now lends her voice as a member of AFTD’s Persons with FTD Advisory Council and is a founding board member of Dementia Alliance International. With her own diagnosis and unrecognized FTD challenges with her mother, Amy continues to advocate for others, supported by her husband of 41 years, their two daughters, and their pets, Frankie and Tommy.
Colors Of Change
Angela Swisher, KY
Colors Of Change, 2024
Epoxy Resin, Mica Pigment Powder
Angela began creating art as a form of therapy after her husband’s early FTD diagnosis in May 2024. Her artwork, made for family and friends during the holidays, reflect her love, resilience, and creativity in the face of change.
Jewels From The Heart
Angela Swisher, KY
Jewels From The Heart, 2025
Epoxy Resin, Mica Powder, Foil
Angela began creating art as a form of therapy after her husband John was diagnosed with FTD in May 2024. Her work reflects the emotions and resilience found along their journey.
Waves
Angela Swisher, KY
Waves, 2025
Round Wood Disc, Epoxy Resin
Angela began creating art as a form of therapy after her husband John was diagnosed with FTD in May 2024. Her work reflects the emotions and resilience found along their journey.
Snowman In Pencil
Ann Huzinec, PA
Snowman In Pencil, 2020
Pencil
Ann has been living with FTD-PPA for 8–9 years. Before her diagnosis, she worked as a registered nurse. Known for her warmth, outgoing spirit, and radiant smile, Ann continues to share her love with those around her.
FTD and Intimacy
Anne Farguson, CA
FTD and Intimacy, 2025
Poetry
Anne, a member of AFTD’s Persons with FTD Advisory Council, discovered a new writing passion after her FTD diagnosis. After publishing a book and several articles, she shares this poem that is particularly meaningful to her.
Guiding Light: A Walk To Remember
Ava and Brooke Dearmore, KS
Guiding Light: A Walk To Remember, 2025
Watercolor
Ava and Brooke are identical twins that live in Kansas. Their grandmother, known as “Grandma Donna”, took great care to make sure they had fond childhood memories of sleepovers and craft parties. Now their grandmother is battling FTD. Brooke stated of this piece: “It’s been hard seeing her slowing losing her memories, names, routines all of it. But she made sure I had memories to create so I vowed to her I will keep retelling them as much as she needs to hear them.”
Memories Once Remembered
Barbara Oertel, NY
Memories Once Remembered, 2018
Mixed Media
Barbara graduated from State University College at Buffalo BS Art Education. She used her background in art in her 30-year career as an activities professional in a skilled nursing facility in Rochester, NY. During this time, she completed approximately 25 portraits of residents, exhibiting them around Rochester, for the purpose of sharing these wonderful lives as she saw them. She hoped to exhibit these as a whole to deliver the message that there is life and beauty in aging. This portrait is among the last and is of a co-worker and friend.
Statue of Liberty
Beecher Trail, NV
Statue of Liberty, 2023
Watercolor
Beecher was diagnosed with FTD, Primary Progressive Aphasia, Corticobasal Syndrome and Supranuclear Palsy in 2013 and passed away October 21, 2016.
The Chickley Runs Through It
Bryan Roberts, CA
The Chickley Runs Through It, 2024
Acrylic on Canvas
Bryan was a former professor whose research was focused on the molecular biology of viruses and a biotechnology entrepreneur. Bryan enjoyed sketching the orchids he grew in his greenhouse. As his FTD progressed his artwork changed to abstract paintings.
Ara
Ceci Feldt, CA
Ara, 2023
Oil on Canvas
Ceci Feldt is a 23-year-old graphic designer and painter from Lino Lakes, Minnesota. She holds a BFA in Graphic Design and Interactive Media from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. After graduating, she relocated to San Diego, where she became a caregiver alongside her husband for her mother-in-law, who FTD due to a VCP mutation. Ceci has a deeply personal connection to this disease, as VCP-related illnesses also affect her own family.
Nursery Bears
Charlene White, CA
Nursery Bears, 2023
Other
Charlene was diagnosed with FTD at the age of 62. She is unable to speak at this stage, however she is still capable of finding ways to show love on a daily basis. She showed her love and excitement for her grandson by making him this banner for the baby shower and nursery.
Pink Flamingo
Cheryl Whetham, SD
Pink Flamingo, 2025
Wool Yarn Tapestry
Cheryl Whetham’s first exposure to weaving was in a fibers class at Colorado State University, while pursuing a degree in textiles and clothing. Always fascinated with fiber and textiles, she explored many different formats from batik, sgraffito, hand dyeing, sewing, rug making, mixed media and is currently captivated with tapestry. This tapestry is woven from a photo taken on a recent trip to tell family and friends about her husband’s diagnosis of FTD – Primary Progressive Aphasia. It was during a walk through a park that they shared the diagnosis with friends. The pink flamingo symbolizes "trying to stay positive while dark clouds hang overhead" on the journey ahead.
Martein
Darcie Moningka, CA
Martein, 2024
Photography
Darcie is a creative who has been on an FTD journey with her dad, Martein, since he was diagnosed in 2017. The process of anticipatory grief has been a whirlwind, but she finds peace in the little moments like the one captured here and has been a gift. Presence has been her greatest teacher throughout this journey.
AURORA
David Duncan, IN
AURORA, 2023
Oil on Canvas
David Duncan is a retired plant specialist who lives with his wife, Janine, and their dog, Chester, in Lafayette, IN. There, he engages in local painting classes and is a volunteer with the Master Gardener program. Dave’s interest in painting began during graduate school, but during retirement, much of his time is committed to his craft. Despite his diagnosis with FTD, Dave has been inspired by many photos taken by his family, bringing them to life on canvas since taking up his brush again in 2020.
Fairy Tale
David Duncan, IN
Fairy Tale, 2023
Oil on Canvas
David Duncan is a retired plant specialist who lives with his wife, Janine, and their dog, Chester, in Lafayette, IN. There, he engages in local painting classes and is a volunteer with the Master Gardener program. Dave’s interest in painting began during graduate school, but during retirement, much of his time is committed to his craft. Despite his diagnosis with FTD, Dave has been inspired by many photos taken by his family, bringing them to life on canvas since taking up his brush again in 2020.
Pumpkins And Pines
David Duncan, IN
Pumpkins And Pines, 2024
Oil on Canvas
David Duncan is a retired plant specialist who lives with his wife, Janine, and their dog, Chester, in Lafayette, IN. There, he engages in local painting classes and is a volunteer with the Master Gardener program. Dave’s interest in painting began during graduate school, but during retirement, much of his time is committed to his craft. Despite his diagnosis with FTD, Dave has been inspired by many photos taken by his family, bringing them to life on canvas since taking up his brush again in 2020.
Free Spirit
David Lorenz, AZ
Free Spirit, 2024
Watercolor Marker
David was diagnosed with bvFTD in 2013 after an initial misdiagnosed of Parkinsonism. A lifelong artist, athlete, and music lover from St. Louis, he once owned the city’s largest disco, The Last Finale. He found special joy in his family with an energy and love of life that was contagious. After being diagnosed with bvFTD in 2013, David faced growing challenges with mobility, speech, and expression. Through Reiki and healing practices, he began painting mandalas to calm his mind and express emotions beyond words. Each piece reflects the colorful, complex spirit that defined him. David passed peacefully in 2024 at age 80—never gone, just away.
We Are As Beautiful And Precious As A Rose
Deb Jobe, MO
We Are As Beautiful And Precious As A Rose, 2024
Colored Pencil, Markers
Deborah (Deb) Jobe was diagnosed with semantic PPA and CBS at age 53. At that time, she worked in the human capital management global space with Fortune 500 companies. As a dementia advocate and AFTD volunteer, Deb focuses on public policy, early detection, education, and public awareness. Deb served on the Alzheimer’s Association National Early-Stage Advisory Group (ESAG) before joining the AFTD Persons with FTD Advisory Council. In her spare time, she colors and paints, a newly discovered passion since her diagnosis.
Fierce As A Warrior
Deb Jobe, MO
Fierce As A Warrior, 2024
Colored Pencil, Pastels
Deborah (Deb) Jobe was diagnosed with semantic PPA and CBS at age 53. At that time, she worked in the human capital management global space with Fortune 500 companies. As a dementia advocate and AFTD volunteer, Deb focuses on public policy, early detection, education, and public awareness. Deb served on the Alzheimer’s Association National Early-Stage Advisory Group (ESAG) before joining the AFTD Persons with FTD Advisory Council. In her spare time, she colors and paints, a newly discovered passion since her diagnosis.
Standing Up To FTD
Deb Jobe, MO
Standing Up To FTD, 2023
Colored Pencil, Pastels
Deborah (Deb) Jobe was diagnosed with semantic PPA and CBS at age 53. At that time, she worked in the human capital management global space with Fortune 500 companies. As a dementia advocate and AFTD volunteer, Deb focuses on public policy, early detection, education, and public awareness. Deb served on the Alzheimer’s Association National Early-Stage Advisory Group (ESAG) before joining the AFTD Persons with FTD Advisory Council. In her spare time, she colors and paints, a newly discovered passion since her diagnosis.
TIME to Embrace My FTD Journey with Joy
Deb Jobe, MO
TIME to Embrace My FTD Journey with Joy, 2023
Colored Pencil
Deborah (Deb) Jobe was diagnosed with semantic PPA and CBS at age 53. At that time, she worked in the human capital management global space with Fortune 500 companies. As a dementia advocate and AFTD volunteer, Deb focuses on public policy, early detection, education, and public awareness. Deb served on the Alzheimer’s Association National Early-Stage Advisory Group (ESAG) before joining the AFTD Persons with FTD Advisory Council. In her spare time, she colors and paints, a newly discovered passion since her diagnosis.
Leopard on a Rock
Donny Rorschach, TX
Leopard on a Rock, 2024
Oil on Masonite
Donny, a Texas Tech School of Architecture graduate, built a successful career in retail and restaurant design, licensed in 27 states and certified as a Registered Accessibility Specialist. He worked hard and founded a firm that specializes in retail and restaurant architecture. After his diagnosis with Behavioral Variant FTD, he retired in 2023 and returned to his lifelong passion for painting—something he’s loved since age 12.
Vanishing
Francis Dwyer, British Columbia
Vanishing, 2012
Photography
Francis Dwyer has been an amateur photographer for decades. He explored all dimensions: street, landscape, macro, and composites. He served as president of the Kamloops Photo Arts Club. Since his wife of 54 years passed from hereditary FTD in 2023, he has honed his written art, reflecting on his time as a caregiver. 83 now, he has put aside his trusty Nikon cameras for more gently indoor activities. The work is about the passage from life into death, about mystery and the profound. It is also about acceptance, dignity and soldiering on. Francis said of this piece “FTD is a cruel disease. My wife has moved into the mist beyond all suffering. She was magnificent in her destruction. Vanishing is dedicated to her.”
Leaning Towers
Geoffrey Wheeler, TX
Leaning Towers, 2023
Watercolor, Poetry
Geoffrey is an architect by trade, but an artist at heart. This was the first piece he ever painted—created for his sister before her FTD diagnosis.
Without A Home
Hartwin Anderlik, Germany
Without A Home, 2022
Music
Hartwin, at the time of recording, was a 82-year old FTD affected person sings "Without A Home" originally sung by Freddy Quinn, a famous German singer of the late 50s and 60s. For Hartwin, it metaphorically means losing his "home", i.e. his personality and brain. Hartwin is literally expressing his feelings on how FTD affected his life. He was diagnosed with FTD in 2019 but FTD began creeping up at least 3 years prior.
The Daunting Tick of a Clock
Huecycles, WA
The Daunting Tick of a Clock, 2025
Digital Artwork
Huecycles is a 25 year old digital and pixel artist in Brazil. Her family battled FTD even before she was born, with her father, Valter, having been diagnosed with FTD in 2021. Through this artwork, she hopes to communicate some of the feelings that have been on her mind ever since. The main tree symbolizes her father, while the other ones are remnants of relatives who have already passed on.
My Grandmother, My Mother, and I
Isabella Quemada Rasmussen, Denmark
My Grandmother, My Mother, and I, 2023
Oil and Collage on Wooden Board
Isabella is a psychology student at the University of Copenhagen with a background in art from Norway and Denmark. Her work explores the relationships between three generations of women in her family and the after-effects of losing her grandmother to FTD. She feels her grandmother’s presence most in the salt meadows near her home— where memory, connection, and grief blur together.
Untitled
Ivan Weissbuch, Spain
Untitled, 2021
Colored Pencil
Ivan was a family man who lived and worked in Southern California, where he grew up. He was an excellent, semi-professional drummer. After his bvFTD diagnosis he returned to drawing, something he did a lot of as a child. The memory center he lived in for the two years before he passed away had a wonderful art room. They even allowed him to draw a huge mural in his room. They also let him “drum” with drumsticks and later with soft sticks on the furniture. Even as he lost his independence he continued drawing and drumming. He was diagnosed with bvFTD in March of 2020 and passed October 7th, 2024 at the age of 62.
Untitled
Jack Lehmkuhl, NY
Untitled, 2024
Charcoal and Pencil
Jack was diagnosed with FTD in 2022, after 7 years of quietly stealing pieces of him. His family encouraged him to take art classes, and it quickly became his new language. He’s expressed himself through prints of various mediums like charcoal and acrylic. As his abilities shift, his art continues to speak volumes in this new chapter of his life.
Birds
Jeffrey Stolier, LA
Birds, 2024
Encaustic on canvas
Jeffrey lost his mother to FTD on 8/19/2019. He painted this while his close friend was dying of glioblastoma. He stated, “I was working my way through the tenuousness of our connections to life and thinking specifically of mom and Tony while I worked.”
Kites
Jeffrey Stolier, LA
Kites, 2024
Encaustic on canvas
Jeffrey lost his mother to FTD on 8/19/2019. He painted this while his close friend was dying of glioblastoma. He stated, “I was working my way through the tenuousness of our connections to life and thinking specifically of mom and Tony while I worked.”
Perplexity
John Salzman, WI
Perplexity, 2023
Acrylic on Canvas
John, once fiercely independent and full of personality, has been living with FTD since 2020. Since his diagnosis, he’s discovered a new appreciation for art. During an activity to paint a flower, his piece stood out—less about replication, more about expression—capturing the individuality of his experience with FTD.
From The Back Of My Mind
John Swisher, KY
From The Back Of My Mind, 2024
Acrylic on Canvas
John was diagnosed with FTD in May 2024.
Balloon Spirit
Juna Pfeifer, MA
Balloon Spirit, 2025
Colored Pencil
Juna is a young artist working nomadically, currently based in Williamstown, MA, and Denver, CO. Her multimedia work spans disciplines and is grounded in a practice of quilt making. The abstract forms pictured construct balloon figures through accessing memories of her mother who passed away from FTD in 2015; She conjures her mother in her mind and reaches out to touch her, letting her hand trace a line across the page. Through repetitive mark making and memory-based process, Balloon Spirit captures moments of loss; the loss which occurs when balloons float off into the sky, and the slippage of memory itself. Where bodies once alive become fuzzy with the passage of time and warmed through the act of touching.
Finding The Light
Kacey Claytor, FL
Finding The Light, 2024
Acrylic on Canvas
Kasey is an award-winning author of eight fiction and non-fiction books. She is a meditation and well-being teacher and the founder of Osprey Money Management LLC, a Florida-based Registered Advisory Investment Firm. This book and cover painting was by far the most difficult book to write but she wanted to help others caring for those diagnosed with FTD.
Acceptance
Kathryn Harrison, Ontario
Acceptance, 2017
Acrylic on Canvas
Kathryn Harrison is an artist, illustrator, and storyteller. Inspired by her mother’s FTD journey, she wrote and illustrated Weeds in Nana’s Garden, an award-winning children’s book. Through books, paintings, and mixed media, she raises awareness and fosters connection through art.
Chilean Flamingo
Kerry Brinkerhoff, UT
Chilean Flamingo, 2023
Photography
Kerry is 66 years old and lives with the C9orf72 gene and bvFTD diagnosis. He holds an Associates and Bachelor degrees in Science. He proudly served his country in the US Air Force and later worked as a Park Ranger. In his last role, he was a case manager for the police, assisting individuals with mental illness or those in need of support beyond the scope of police intervention. His journey with photography began in high school when he was invited to be the teacher’s assistant for the photography class. Over time, his passion for photography grew, leading her to become a conservation photographer. Through his work, he strives to inspire appreciation and care for the natural world.
Still Life With Teapot
Leslie Geissler, OH
Still Life With Teapot, 2024
Oil on Masonite
Leslie has been painting for 50 years. She and her husband raised seven children together before he was diagnosed with bvFTD just a year before retirement. Though the journey has been challenging, Leslie finds strength in her supportive family—and in painting, which keeps her sane. With her husband in assisted living for the past three years, rising costs may bring him home this summer, but her commitment to creating endures.
Love Is Powerful
Linda Dunagan, KY
Love Is Powerful, 2020
Mixed Media
Linda is a retired teacher living with both cancer and FTD. She continues her journey surrounded by the love of her family, friends, AFTD and her faith in God.
FTD
Linda Grandstaff, TX
FTD, 2025
Labradorite Cabochon, Beads, Sterling Silver, Copper Sheets
Linda creates jewelry that celebrates individuality and personal expression, reflecting the wearer’s unique sense of style. Each piece is crafted with intention, transforming Linda’s ideas into tangible objects with a balance of passion, playfulness, patience, creativity, precision, technique, knowledge, and some cursing. This necklace was created as a tribute to her mother: a loving mom, grandmother, friend and beautiful woman, even through the heartbreak of FTD.
Person With Sunglasses
Linda Hall, TN
Person With Sunglasses, 2023
Acrylic on Canvas
Although her husband and caregiver has been a professional artist for over 40 years, Linda never considered herself an artist. She helped tremendously in the studio for most of those years, so she must have picked up something. She did this painting late in her struggle with FTD. The family was quite surprised with it and hang it proudly.
Last Days
Marko Mijailovic, Ontario
Last Days, 2018
Photography
Marko is a Toronto-based photographer whose father passed away from FTD in 2018. His work reflects his story through memory and image.
Emma
Marypat McGrath, MA
Emma, 2024
Pastel
Marypat, 67, is a retired special education teacher whose husband was diagnosed with bvFTD in January 2020. Now in the late stages of the disease and receiving hospice care at home, he remains at the heart of her world. After 30 years away from art, Marypat returned to drawing and has completed six portraits in the past year. Creating has become a therapeutic outlet—and something to look forward to.
Mary And Kathryn
Marypat McGrath, MA
Mary And Kathryn, 2024
Pastel
Marypat, 67, is a retired special education teacher whose husband was diagnosed with bvFTD in January 2020. Now in the late stages of the disease and receiving hospice care at home, he remains at the heart of her world. After 30 years away from art, Marypat returned to drawing and has completed six portraits in the past year. Creating has become a therapeutic outlet—and something to look forward to.
Tim And Laurel
Marypat McGrath, MA
Tim And Laurel, 2024
Pastel
Marypat, 67, is a retired special education teacher whose husband was diagnosed with bvFTD in January 2020. Now in the late stages of the disease and receiving hospice care at home, he remains at the heart of her world. After 30 years away from art, Marypat returned to drawing and has completed six portraits in the past year. Creating has become a therapeutic outlet—and something to look forward to.
Dandelions
May Tsoi, Ontario
Dandelions, 2024
Colored Pencil Drawing
May Tsoi, lives in Vancouver, BC, Canada. She expresses herself through art. May is known for her strength, determination, unwavering perseverance and willingness to help others while facing her own adversities. May enjoyed a fulfilling career doing what she loved most at BC Children’s Hospital: helping those in need. Even when she developed early dementia, bvFTD and PPA, Ms. Tsoi began and finished each day with gratitude, found ways to be useful, and remained true to her values.
Nineteen Seventies
May Tsoi, Ontario
Nineteen Seventies, 2021
Colored Pencil and Crayon
May Tsoi, lives in Vancouver, BC, Canada. She expresses herself through art. May is known for her strength, determination, unwavering perseverance and willingness to help others while facing her own adversities. May enjoyed a fulfilling career doing what she loved most at BC Children’s Hospital: helping those in need. Even when she developed early dementia, bvFTD and PPA, Ms. Tsoi began and finished each day with gratitude, found ways to be useful, and remained true to her values.
Shellin’ With Friends
May Tsoi, Ontario
Shellin’ With Friends, 2025
Crayons
May Tsoi, lives in Vancouver, BC, Canada. She expresses herself through art. May is known for her strength, determination, unwavering perseverance and willingness to help others while facing her own adversities. May enjoyed a fulfilling career doing what she loved most at BC Children’s Hospital: helping those in need. Even when she developed early dementia, bvFTD and PPA, Ms. Tsoi began and finished each day with gratitude, found ways to be useful, and remained true to her values.
Turtle For Eric
May Tsoi, Ontario
Turtle For Eric, 2022
Crayon
May Tsoi, lives in Vancouver, BC, Canada. She expresses herself through art. May is known for her strength, determination, unwavering perseverance and willingness to help others while facing her own adversities. May enjoyed a fulfilling career doing what she loved most at BC Children’s Hospital: helping those in need. Even when she developed early dementia, bvFTD and PPA, Ms. Tsoi began and finished each day with gratitude, found ways to be useful, and remained true to her values.
Bloom
May Tsoi, Ontario
Bloom, 2021
Watercolor
May Tsoi, lives in Vancouver, BC, Canada. She expresses herself through art. May is known for her strength, determination, unwavering perseverance and willingness to help others while facing her own adversities. May enjoyed a fulfilling career doing what she loved most at BC Children’s Hospital: helping those in need. Even when she developed early dementia, bvFTD and PPA, Ms. Tsoi began and finished each day with gratitude, found ways to be useful, and remained true to her values.
Stillness Amidst Miracles Of Nature
May Tsoi, Ontario
Stillness Amidst Miracles Of Nature, 2021
Colored Pencil Drawing
May Tsoi, lives in Vancouver, BC, Canada. She expresses herself through art. May is known for her strength, determination, unwavering perseverance and willingness to help others while facing her own adversities. May enjoyed a fulfilling career doing what she loved most at BC Children’s Hospital: helping those in need. Even when she developed early dementia, bvFTD and PPA, Ms. Tsoi began and finished each day with gratitude, found ways to be useful, and remained true to her values.
A November Freeze
Meg Befort, AR
A November Freeze, 2025
Oil on Paper, Ink
Meg has turned to painting as a healing outlet since childhood. In 2022, she left her corporate job to pursue art full time. After her mother’s PSP diagnosis in 2023, her work became deeply influenced by the emotions of that journey. When she’s not painting, Meg enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and three children.
That Faraway Look
Melody Carlson, OR
That Faraway Look, 2024
Photography
Melody Carlson is the spouse and caregiver of a loved one who passed from FTD in December 2024. Her work honors their journey and the enduring bond they shared.
The Window Room
Michael Dawson, Ontario
The Window Room, 2016
Stippled Gouache on Melamine
Michael Dawson is an artist living in Toronto. He is a member of Cure MAPT FTD - a global team of families who have been affected by the MAPT gene mutation. The group is driven to ensure that future generations will be free from the challenges and devastating loss that we have endured: www.curemaptftd.org
The Lighthouse
Michael Hala, NY
The Lighthouse, 2019
Tempera on Card Stock
Michael was officially diagnosed with FTD with MND in 2015. He created this piece in 2019 at his Young Onset Dementia Day Care, expressing himself through art as his condition progressed.
Maine 2024
Michael Richie, CN
Maine 2024, 2025
Watercolor and Salt
Mike is 70 years old and was diagnosed in 2022 with FTDbv. He loves his family and spending time with them.
Spirit Guides
Mira Grace, Manitoba
Spirit Guides, 2024
Acrylic on Canvas
Mira is a Canadian artist that specializes in portrait realism and landscapes. Her artwork reflects themes of finding beauty in nature and beings, culture and ties to the land. Spirit guides provide protection, guidance and wisdom during life's difficult journeys. The wolf symbolizes humility, to balance oneself with all living beings. The bison symbolizes respect, to give of yourself onto others.
Edinburgh Castle
Nancy Mazzone-Kermon, PA
Edinburgh Castle, 2023
Acrylic on Canvas
Nancy, a former VP of HR and adjunct professor, is a mother of two and a grandmother of four. She discovered painting after retirement and now cherishes it as a powerful form of self-expression, especially as her speech diminishes.
Friday Afternoon
Nancy Mazzone-Kermon, PA
Friday Afternoon, 2024
Acrylic on Canvas
Nancy, a former VP of HR and adjunct professor, is a mother of two and a grandmother of four. She discovered painting after retirement and now cherishes it as a powerful form of self-expression, especially as her speech diminishes.
Gibbs
Nancy Mazzone-Kermon, PA
Gibbs, 2023
Acrylic on Canvas
Nancy, a former VP of HR and adjunct professor, is a mother of two and a grandmother of four. She discovered painting after retirement and now cherishes it as a powerful form of self-expression, especially as her speech diminishes.
Ice Cream Makes Everything Better
Nancy Mazzone-Kermon, PA
Ice Cream Makes Everything Better, 2023
Acrylic on Canvas
Nancy, a former VP of HR and adjunct professor, is a mother of two and a grandmother of four. She discovered painting after retirement and now cherishes it as a powerful form of self-expression, especially as her speech diminishes.
Into the Woods
Nancy Mazzone-Kermon, PA
Into the Woods, 2023
Acrylic on Canvas
Nancy, a former VP of HR and adjunct professor, is a mother of two and a grandmother of four. She discovered painting after retirement and now cherishes it as a powerful form of self-expression, especially as her speech diminishes.
Match Maker Make Me A Match
Nancy Mazzone-Kermon, PA
Match Maker Make Me A Match, 2024
Acrylic on Canvas
Nancy, a former VP of HR and adjunct professor, is a mother of two and a grandmother of four. She discovered painting after retirement and now cherishes it as a powerful form of self-expression, especially as her speech diminishes.
Ziva
Nancy Mazzone-Kermon, PA
Ziva, 2024
Acrylic on Canvas
Nancy, a former VP of HR and adjunct professor, is a mother of two and a grandmother of four. She discovered painting after retirement and now cherishes it as a powerful form of self-expression, especially as her speech diminishes.
In Realms of Fractured Mind
Natasha Jasso Smith, VA
In Realms of Fractured Mind, 2024
Poetry
Natasha was diagnosed with FTD at 47. It was a moment that left her devastated. As her right brain functions declined, her creative left brain flourished, blossoming like a flower. This self-portrait reflects that transformation: the right side of her face fades into white, symbolizing the loss, while her widened left eye captures the creative spark she’s discovered.
Self Portrait
Natasha Jasso Smith, VA
Self Portrait, 2024
Acrylic on Canvas
Natasha was diagnosed with FTD at 47. It was a moment that left her devastated. As her right brain functions declined, her creative left brain flourished, blossoming like a flower. This self-portrait reflects that transformation: the right side of her face fades into white, symbolizing the loss, while her widened left eye captures the creative spark she’s discovered.
The Woman in Half
Patrizia Pegoraro, Italy
The Woman in Half, 2024
Acrylic on Canvas
Patrizia has a degree in biotechnology and has worked for 43 years at the University of Padua before being diagnosed with FTD with apraxia of speech, leaving her mouth cut in half. She took a 2-year course in life drawing and the human form using art to express what words can’t.
22624
Patty Bronson, MN
22624, 2024
Mixed Media
Patty is a self-taught artist and retired special education teacher who turned to art after a 36-year career. Her drawings reflect the workings of her mind—lines holding shapes, faces, monsters, and imagined conversations. With her partner recently diagnosed with FTD and Primary Progressive Aphasia in 2024, she hopes her work offers others solace, courage, or simple enjoyment.
Considering Surrender
Patty Bronson, MN
Considering Surrender, 2024
Mixed Media
Patty is a self-taught artist and retired special education teacher who turned to art after a 36-year career. Her drawings reflect the workings of her mind—lines holding shapes, faces, monsters, and imagined conversations. With her partner recently diagnosed with FTD and Primary Progressive Aphasia in 2024, she hopes her work offers others solace, courage, or simple enjoyment.
050724 Lines
Patty Bronson, MN
050724 Lines, 2024
Mixed Media
Patty is a self-taught artist and retired special education teacher who turned to art after a 36-year career. Her drawings reflect the workings of her mind—lines holding shapes, faces, monsters, and imagined conversations. With her partner recently diagnosed with FTD and Primary Progressive Aphasia in 2024, she hopes her work offers others solace, courage, or simple enjoyment.
Bowery PL and Canal Street, Manhattan
Richard Fitzhugh, MD
Bowery PL and Canal Street, Manhattan, 2016
Watercolor on Canvas
Born and raised in Washington DC, Richard Fitzhugh graduated from Howard University with a degree in Architecture. He worked professionally as an architectural renderer and watercolor artist. He passed away from FTD (primary aggressive aphasia) in 2023. From childhood, Richard liked to draw. He taught art to young people at the Norman Jordan African American Arts and Heritage Academy for many years and exhibited his work at Howard Univ. School of Architecture, the Gallery at Friendship Heights, the Arts Club in Washington DC and the Strathmore Mansion.
Tranquility
Robert Bryant, VA
Tranquility, 2022
Photograph
Bob took this photograph three years ago, two years already into his journey with FTD. Additionally diagnosed with ALS last year, he recently began home hospice care. He and his wife have been together since they were 15 and married for 49 years. Despite the challenges, this view reminds them daily of the blessings they still hold.
Tired
Sara Needham, CA
Tired, 2023
Photography
Sara is a retired RN whose spouse was diagnosed with FTD in 2019 and ALS in 2023.
Happy Frog
Scott Gehret, PA
Happy Frog, 2024
AI Generated Image
Scott lives with bvFTD and has embraced AI as a powerful creative tool. Though he never considered himself artistic, he’s now generated over 2,000 images—each one a testament to the endless possibilities of imagination and technology.
Socrates, Plato, Aristotle
Scott Gehret, PA
Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, 2024
AI Generated Image
Scott lives with bvFTD and has embraced AI as a powerful creative tool. Though he never considered himself artistic, he’s now generated over 2,000 images—each one a testament to the endless possibilities of imagination and technology.
To Walk in Their Shoes
Sharon Garcia, TX
To Walk in Their Shoes, 2025
Poetry
Sharon, a mental health counselor in San Antonio, is a care partner to her spouse living with FTD. While navigating her own journey with Parkinson’s disease, she continues to support others with strength and compassion.
Wings of Hope
Shawn Himes, FL
Wings of Hope, 2025
Mixed Media
Shawn is a retired HR executive and hobby artist caring for her husband with FTD/PPA. Art offers a welcome distraction, and she finds joy in watching each piece come to life from concept to creation.
Sorry For Sorrow
Shay Leonia, PA
Sorry For Sorrow, 2022
Music
Shay is an Industrial R&B recording artist, singer, songwriter, and owner of 44th Minute Media, a company she established in 2017 to support independent musicians in navigating their careers. The company was established in memory of her late mother who lost her life to Frontotemporal Dementia when she was only 52. Among Shay’s career highlights, Leonia has had the honor of appearing on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert dancing and singing for Janelle Monáe as well as singing in the VH1 commercial for Season 12 of RuPaul's Drag Race.
Under The Sea
Susan Kiser Scarff, AZ
Under The Sea, 2024
Cotton Root Wood, Watercolor
Susan’s husband, Red, was her partner, her protector, and a man of contagious laughter. The 18-year difference in age never made a difference to them. His sense of humor, wit, intelligence, and gift of gab was unrivaled. In 1991, after an abrupt demotion at his new position of president at a large furniture company, his memory and language began to falter. One weekend after suddenly not being able to remember their home address, Red told her in tears, “Something is wrong with my brain”.
Healing Hands
Susan Kiser Scarff, AZ
Healing Hands, 2005
Photography
Susan’s husband, Red, was her partner, her protector, and a man of contagious laughter. The 18-year difference in age never made a difference to them. His sense of humor, wit, intelligence, and gift of gab was unrivaled. In 1991, after an abrupt demotion at his new position of president at a large furniture company, his memory and language began to falter. One weekend after suddenly not being able to remember their home address, Red told her in tears, “Something is wrong with my brain”.
Untitled
Taylor Sessleman, NY
Untitled, 2024
Photography
As a New York City photographer, Taylor Sesselman’s most prolific work captures urban landscapes, portraits, and live sound events. As long as they can remember, they have always preferred being behind the lens of a camera – and a recent diagnosis of nfvPPA has given them a much deeper understanding of why. These photos are an example of their love for people, music, and place – and how they feel most comfortable and capable of communicating with the world: through their camera, and sometimes at a distance.
FTD Framed Gen Z
Wendy Merdian, IL
FTD Framed Gen Z, 2025
Cotton Quilt
Wendy cares for her husband, Dennis, who has slow-progressing bvFTD. The disease forced them to leave the country their kids were born in to get neurological care. Their daughter had to leave her home, friends and high school, and this t-shirt quilt is a tribute to her teen years, framed by FTD. She has persevered and was just accepted to study law. She's a resilient treasure.
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