ART THERAPY FOR PARKINSON'S
Brooklyn White has always had a passion for creating art. She received her minor from Maryville College, training under world renowned artist, Dr. Carl Gombert. Throughout Brooklyn's career, she has practiced art through graphic design and her past time has been spent painting within her chosen medium of acrylics on canvas.

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Brooklyn wanted to combine her passion of creating art and helping those with Parkinson's to live quality lives filled with hope and optimism. In July, 2024 - Brooklyn obtained her Art Therapy Practitioner certification so that she could create programs specifically for those impacted by Parkinson's based on research proven results to help improve symptom management and overall well being for those impacted by Parkinson's and their care partners.

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Thus, Brooklyn has worked to develop art therapy classes and programs that can be utilized to improve and restore motor- and non-motor symptoms. Her goal is to host classes that spark creativity amongst participants to boost dopamine, offer a time of relaxation to help reduce stress and anxiety with mind body connectedness, and provide an opportunity for social connectedness to minimize isolation -- all while giving tips for adapting tools and techniques that can be utilized at home for continued practice and enjoyment.

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Each class opens with the benefits of art therapy and how it can be utilized every day in our homes. Guided and unguided projects are available - from drawing/doodling or painting landscapes and still-life's to crafting wood projects such as door signs and bird houses. The ultimate goal is enjoyment and an understanding of how to carry on and apply techniques for in home art therapy.

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AVAILABLE PROGRAMS

DRAWING: Zentangles / Mandulas

Are you a doodler? This exercise is an example that with very few supplies can be done at home. The session begins by drawing a circle in the center of a large sheet of paper. Music is often played, and participants are asked to draw along with the beat of the music - extending from the circle. In some cases, participants will be asked to switch it up, not using their dominant hand. The remaining session includes the intent of coloring. These action improve dexterity and strengthen hand muscles. But they also provide an opportunity to enter a state of meditation and improve overall neuroplasticity.  

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Each art therapy session will begin with a modified version of this exercise as a quick warm-up and supplies will be given to each participant to be able to take home and continue the practice of exercise.

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PAINTING:  Landscapes, Still-life's, Seasonal or Freestyle (Guided or Unguided)

Participants can choose between a guided session where they follow Brooklyn in painting a landscape, still-life or a seasonal project -- or they can choose to freestyle it. Supplies will be provided, and as Brooklyn paints - she will offer suggestions and tips for how to utilize and adapt certain techniques to tremor and grip - also forcing us to think bigger with more extended movements.  Depending on the subject matter, music or sounds of nature will provide a soothing background to inspire creativity, mind/body connectedness and movement. 

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WOOD CRAFTS

Sometimes, it's just fun to get together and produce something we can be proud of to give as a gift or display at hour homes. Art is about having fun - enjoying the process - and getting together with your friends. In this session, participants have the opportunity to craft and paint an object that can be later finished at home if needed. While art is about the creative journey - completing a short, quality project can also offer a sense of satisfaction. The goal is to open our minds to what all could be available that we can do when it comes to practicing art at home and leave with a project we can gift or enjoy around our home.

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