“Parkinson’s Disease and Creativity” on April 4, 2018
The Arts & Culture Alliance is pleased to present a professional development seminar for artists and other creative people on Wednesday, April 4, from 5:30-6:30 PM at the Emporium Center in downtown Knoxville. Join us as we welcome David Denton!
In conjunction with an exhibition of the art of individuals who have experienced a surge in creativity related to Parkinson’s Disease with a presentation by Architect David Denton who has experienced this phenomenon and his explorations creating art in the Virtual World. Exhibition on display in the Balcony Gallery of the Emporium, April 6-27, 2018.
In the last few years, research has determined definitively that people with Parkinson’s Disease score higher on creativity tests than the general public. Furthermore research has shown that many individuals with this disease have initiated creative pursuits and discovered creative talent not experienced before. Apparently, intense creative activity significantly reduces the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease in these individuals and does become an essential part of their coping with this disease. This exhibition highlights some individuals who have experienced this phenomenon.
David Denton, who has Parkinson’s Disease, will speak about this phenomenon and how it has affected his life and his art. He has been creating art in the Virtual World for about ten years. As an architect he also uses the Virtual World for designing and presentations. He will discuss the benefits and shortcomings of creating in the Virtual World. Interactive Virtual Reality demonstrations will be available following the presentation. The reception will begin at 5:30 PM. David Denton’s presentation with an introduction by Neurologist Michele Brewer will begin at 6:00 PM.
Although this presentation is free to attend, donations are welcome! Please confirm your spot via e-mail at sc@knoxalliance.com.
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David Denton, a native of Knoxville returned a few years ago after 40 years of practicing architecture in California. Before starting his own design practice in Los Angeles he was the managing partner of the internationally renowned architecture firm, Frank O. Gehry & Associates and worked on many well-known projects such as the Disney Concert Hall. As one of the early adopters of Virtual Reality he has been recognized for his work in such publications as the Architectural Record, the New York Times and the Los Angeles Times. He cofounded the Kansas to Cairo project and obtained funding from the State Department to establish a program for American architecture students to collaborate in the Virtual World with Egyptian architecture students. He also cofounded a support group for people with Parkinson’s Disease which meets in the virtual world with participants represented in avatar form. https://www.saatchiart.com/daviddenton