Maxwell Briggs

At Beacon Hill, a senior living community in Lombard, Illinois, is where Maxwell Briggs, a 92-year-old former high school art teacher and army veteran, teaches classes to many of the residents.

After a remarkable 36-year teaching career in Illinois and Indiana and a two-year stint in the army, Briggs is writing a new chapter in his life at Beacon Hill. Since 2018, he's been conducting personalized art sessions in watercolor painting and colored pencil drawing for residents across all care levels - from independent living to memory care.

A heartwarming example of his impact is the journey of Dr. Doris Norwell, a 95-year-old former biochemistry professor, who initially began exploring art by tracing. Under Briggs' patient guidance, she evolved from tracing to painting and finally to creating original works, with a focus on beautiful magnolias. This transformation exemplifies not just an artistic awakening but also the power of art in fostering lifelong learning and self-confidence.

Sandy works on a pencil drawing while Ruth creates an amazing Raggedy Ann painting currently using models in a chair.