Smile Through Art Workshops
Creativity
The creativity portion of our workshop has been developed taking into account several symptoms of Parkinson's Disease including loss of fine motor control, rigidity, and tremors. Each workshop focuses on a different symptom and how methods of art can help alleviate and counteract the symptom. We also have a large focus on Micrographia and have developed specific workshops to help patients improve their handwriting.Our workshops are supported by research that has been published in the Journal of Alzhiemer's Disease and Parkinsonism.
SMILEs
Did you know the "inability to Smile" is a symptom of various neurological conditions including Parkinson's Disease?
Our workshops are developed to spread smiles through creativity and movement. Our SMILE acronym-Seize Your Day, Make Positive Memories, Inspire Yourself and Others, and Promote a Healthy Environment. We encourage the involvement of a family member or caregiver to re-build their bond
Movement
The movement portion of our workshop focuses on developing fine and gross motor skills while promoting a healthy environment. Through exercises and activities participants are challenged both physically and mentally promoting stimulation in both sides of their brain. Our workshops foster growth in a motivating environment that increases confidence and mood.
Our Programs are Supported by Neurologists in New England
Measuring Success of our Workshops
Our workshops have proven to enhance mood in people living with Parkinson's Disease. 44% of the time people with Parkinson (PWP) go from feeling sad before the start of our workshop to happy at the end of our workshop after they've completed their art. 43% of the time PWP go from feeling content before the start of our workshop to happy at the end of our workshop after they've completed their art. 10% of the time PWP go from feeling sad before the start of our workshop to content at the end of our workshop after they've completed their art.
Parkinson's vs Non-Parkinson
We are also measuring the impact of creativity and movement on people living without Parkinson's.
We've Spread Smiles to the following and Can Travel to YOU
Massachucetts
Where it all began! In 2013 we partnered with the American Parkinson Disease Association MA Chapter and since have brought our program to 13 cities in MA!
Rhode Island
In 2015, we planned three workshops in Rhode Island. We will be returning to Rhode Island in 2018!
Oregon
We were selected to present a Renewal Room and present our preliminary research at The World Parkinsons Congress in 2016.
Iowa
We were invited to attend and present our Smile Through Art Workshop at the APDA-Iowa Conference in 2017.
Kentucky
We were invited to attend and present at the Ponies for Parkinson's event sponsored by Parkinson's International.
Connecticut
In partnership with APDA-CT we brought our Smile Through Art Workshop to West Hartford, CT.
Coming Soon to a City Near YOU
New Jersey
We programmed a Smile Through Art Workshop at Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in New Jersey. In partnership with APDA-NJ, are working on implementing an on-going series to start late 2018.
New York
We're heading to New York to program a Smile Through Art Workshop in partnership with APDA-NY. Additional workshops coming in 2019!
Wisconsin
We're heading to Wisconsin for the 2018 Optimism walk and are going to have Smile Through Art Workshops offered in early 2019! Stay tuned...