Art Exhibition: Painting For Parkinson's

This extraordinary exhibition showcases the artistic works of members of Newcastle's Parkinson's Community that were produced at our Wetlands site during 2025.

A casual conversation between HWCA Arts Coordinator, Mark Kempton and Newcastle's Parkinson's Support Group Director, Sandra Elms was the impetus for a 6 week art class held at the Hunter Wetlands Centre in March and April 2025.

Focusing on nature art, everything was provided for the artists, from paper, paints, crayons and other media to different items to draw such as plants, leaves, stones etc.  Participants ventured from the Lower Deck 'studio' into the wetlands grounds for an even more immersive experience.   Mindful of the additional needs of the participants, the sessions were organised, led and supported by several local artists including Wynette Horne and Victoria Jago.

The artworks that emerged from this 6 week class were truly amazing. People, some who could not walk, talk or were shaking constantly due to Parkinson's, produced examples of work that was lively, colourful and quite exceptional. They showed artistic talent in a medium that was often new to them with some easily as good as any hanging in art galleries.  

The Hunter Wetlands Centre is proud to have been involved in hosting the 6 week class that gave Parkinson’s people the chance to forget their illness
and immerse themselves in nature and art. We are honoured to host the resulting exhibition showing what a Parkinsonian person can do. The organisers of the class hope that these works not only bring delight to all who see them but also encourage other people living with Parkinson's to be involved in future sessions.

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What is Parkinson's? Parkinson's is a neurological condition that causes difficulty for the person to control their movements.

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Exhibition Launch

You are invited to the Launch of the Painting for Parkinson's Exhibition on

Saturday 3 January from 3.30pm to 5.00pm

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