Painting for Parkinson's

WAITLIST: All spots are now filled but in case of last minute cancellations and if you still want to join us please email Heidi Clarkson at clarksonheidi@gmail.com to be put on the waitlist.

It's hard enough fighting back against a degenerative neurological disease like Parkinson's (PD) + during COVID-19 it's been even harder.

This global health crisis has affected people living PD (plus their family/friends/community) in many ways such as not being able to attend their extremely important exercise classes nor participate in any other in-person programs, workshops and activities. It also means that the social support they received from their peers, healthcare team, etc is gone or greatly reduced.

Painting for Parkinson's will bring people together virtually to share a stimulating + enriching art experience! Active art will also address various physical + cognitive symptoms of PD + help participants feel active + part of a community "event".

This event will also help to educate others about PD which in turn will help create understanding + support between friends, neighbours + the community at large.

This FREE event is made possible by United Way Lower Mainland. One of our wonderful volunteers nominated IMPACT Parkinson's for a Local Love Award via UWLM! So huge thanks to both of them.

PLEASE NOTE: Priority will be given to people living in New Westminster with a Parkinson's diagnosis and the local community.

PAINT KITS: Each participant will receive a paint kit provided by Opus Art Supplies Coquitlam that contains all the supplies you need to create such as a canvas, paint brushes and paint plus info about Parkinson's disease. This means you must be able to pick up your kit in New Westminster, BC. (If this is not possible we may be able to deliver!). Huge thanks to Opus Coquitlam for providing the paint kits at a greatly reduced cost that fit our budget parameters for the Local Love Award! Without this support Painting for Parkinson's would not be possible.

ZOOM: Each participant will receive a Zoom link prior to the event to view and follow along with the artist. We recommend using a large screen to make it easier to see although an iPad will work.

ARTWORK: The artwork for this event is very special as it is based on a gift to the Founder of IMPACT Parkinson’s, Robyn Murrell, from one of her Parkinson’s fighters, Sue Sayer, who passed away last December at the age of 56.

Sue had a particularly rare and aggressive form of Parkinson’s called Multiple Systems Atrophy. She moved to New West in 1995 and was very active in the community such as with the Hyack Festival Association and served as President in 2008.

One of her many passions was crafting of any kind. One of the last projects she created was a tote bag she sewed to carry her pink boxing gloves to the specialized boxing classes she attended with Robyn as her coach. This artwork will be a special way to honor and remember Sue’s amazing courage, laughter and smiles.

Huge thanks to our artist Ceci Lam for recreating the art.

MEET THE ARTIST: Ceci Lam, http://www.cecilam.com/

SPACE: Thank you to 100 Braid St Studios for allowing us to use their beautiful space to manage the Zoom session.

FOLLOW THE FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/events/957064621384981/?active_tab=discussion