How It Started
It all started with a conversation between two friends.
“There should be an art show for people with Parkinson’s.”
The art show started from a conversation between two friends with Parkinson’s Disease in 2020. They were working together to enter their artwork in a contest in Germany. Jennifer and Val understood the difficulties of living with Parkinson’s but also knew that it could bring out strength and creativity in people. They agreed, “We’re somebody. Why not us?”
As the weeks passed, the idea grew. Jennifer made some calls out of curiosity, and as luck would have it, found a space to host an art show during the timeframe they wanted, April, for Parkinson’s Awareness Month.
Then the real work began- Filling a gallery with artists living with Parkinson’s disease, while living with the disease and creating their own collections for the show.
Then the real work began- Filling a gallery with artists living with Parkinson’s disease, while living with the disease and creating their own collections for the show.
Many phone calls were made, and emails sent to local Parkinson’s gyms, clinics, and support groups looking for artists willing to participate.
To ensure a wide variety of artwork, artists were encouraged to express themselves through any medium they chose – be it painting, sculpture, photography, or mixed media.
Eleven artists made the commitment. From hobbyists to professionals, everyone was given equal billing to show at the first event in April 2023.
Several friends and family members were eager to be on hand as volunteers to assist with installation. It took every available minute to get the gallery filled over a weekend. its a good thing Jennifer thought to bring snacks and refreshments!
With a very limited budget, advertising was minimal, so expectations for opening day were low. Vibrant paintings adorned the walls, sculptures captured imaginations, and photographs served as windows into the artists’ souls. Intricate pendants, earrings, necklaces along with exquisitely hand painted scarves brought a soft touch to the room. Each piece tells a story of resilience, hope, and the unbreakable spirit of the human mind.
The Parkinson’s Artisans Art Show was a resounding success, brining in a record breaking number of attendees on opening day.As visitors marvel at the artwork, the atmosphere is filled with admiration, awe, and a renewed sense of possibility. The art show had become a popular attraction, not only in showcasing remarkable creativity, but also in fostering connections between artists and attendees, uniting them on a shared journey of inspiration and acceptance.
On this day, the Parkinson’s Artisans Art Show has proven that from a humble idea, nurtured and empowered by a community’s unwavering dedication, extraordinary transformations can emerge. And with each stroke of a brush, each click of a camera, and each sculpted form, the Parkinson’s Artisans Art Show continues to inspire, heal, and ignite the human spirit.