Me & Mr P
This is an art exhibition showcasing the creative brilliance of those affected by Parkinson’s Disease. It aims to promote the benefits of art and hopefully will inspire and develop creativity across the Parkinson’s community.
Art and being creative has many health benefits. It acts as a therapy that reduces stress and anxiety and it allows us to focus on something positive and escape temporarily. It activates our brain’s reward centre and enhances the lives of people with Parkinson’s.
Parkinson’s is what happens when the brain cells that make dopamine start to die. It is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world and currently there is no cure. It affects around 145,000 people in the UK. There are over 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety.
Some are treatable, but the drugs can have serious side effects. It gets worse over time and there’s no cure. Yet.
The aim of the exhibition is to raise awareness and vital funds for Parkinson’s research. You can show your support in many ways, either through purchasing art, buying merchandise or making a donation.
Meet the Artists;
Nicolette Amos
I am a self taught artist inspired by my Father who was a wonderful watercolour artist. I started drawing about 12 years ago using coloured pencils and watercolours and mainly focusing on wildlife.
In December 2018 I was formally diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and since then I have become more creative. My work now is based on strong composition and vibrant colours and can be a little quirky.
Jacqui Woodhead
I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2015 having already noticed a deterioration in dexterity. As soon as I started medication all my creativity came flooding back.
My work is Inspired by the Chiltern hills, flowers & trees, I love bright colours. I prefer to paint from memory & imagination. I also enjoy attempting random subjects, most recently, dancers.
Julie Belcher
I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2013. On retirement, I rediscovered the joy of painting and crafts, and how theraputic they can be and actually ease my Parkinson’s symptoms.
I particularly enjoy working with driftwood and other bits and pieces salavaged from the shoreline. I also work with other mediums such as acrylics and fineline pen drawings, but my favourite is craftwork, working wiht natural and recycled materials.
Rosemary J
I have always found enjoyment in painting from early days in school, taking art at ‘A’ Level through to teacher training college, doing art and craft as my chosen subject. I now paint for pleasure in my local Parkinson’s Art Group where I have been encouraged to try a number of mediums including acrylic, pastel, pen and wash. Painting in watercolour is my favourite medium, and painting flowers my favourite subject.
Philip Dando
Born in 1944 my first 6 years were in South London where our playgrounds were the bomb sites waiting rebuilding after the war. We then relocated to Crawley where our playgrounds were the yellow clay trenches of new house building. At 16 I started work in the offices of a factory in Crawley.
Engineering has always interested me, but I always had a fancy for artistic pursuits – a wish that was thwarted by defective colour vision. In consequence, perhaps, I have always dabbled at any form of artistic creation available to me including painting in watercolours, acrylics, oils, inks, and so on, and as I become less able with advancing years, I can still derive pleasure from creating some sort of mark on a blank sheet of paper.
Mike Cussens
I have always loved art and at 15 I started my career in the Art Department of a national magazine in London. From here on I trained to be a magazine designer and spent the rest of my career working as a commercial artist.
Art is now my pastime, I enjoy working in acrylics, pencil, and ink and wash. My favourite subjects are landscapes and wildlife. I now run the Art Club for the Worthing district of Parkinson’s UK, helping and advising others on techniques and tips, and generally making art fun!
Pauline Fuller
I am a self taught artist, and have always been interested in art from an early age, particullary enjoying art classes at school.
In 2009 I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, and now enjoy attending the Parkinson’s Group art classes. My favourite mediums are acrylics, coloured pencils and chalk pastels. I enjoy painting animals and still life and just paint for pleasure giving many items of my artwork to my family.
Open Tuesday 1 – Saturday 12 August (Closed Monday 7 August) // 10.00 – 17.00
