As a northern (Edinburgh) PwP I am always on the look out for activities nearer home. And last year I came across the Parkinson’s art group. My art teacher at school was encouraging, but apart from all the walls I’ve emulsioned and doors I’ve eggshelled white, I hadn’t used a paint brush for more years than I’m prepared to admit, till recently.
The informal art group originally set up about 25 years ago by Liz McBain and Christine Ellis both PwP, met in the homes of friends who were interested in art.
A member of the original group, artist Lindsay McDermid, supported by his wife, Linda, took over in 2009 and found a permanent home in the green glades of the ‘Botanics’, specifically, the Botanic Cottage within the fertile demonstration garden.
Each Thursday afternoon, the hours fly by as members hone their creativity in a friendly and constructive atmosphere. Once settled round the wide table, an industrious silence falls over the group until volunteers, Mark and Elaine, dispense tea and biscuits, sometimes homemade. Lindsay, meanwhile, walks round the table praising and advising members how they can develop their own style. At the end of our allotted two hours, we each show our afternoon’s work and say a few words, perhaps what inspired their piece of art. Another popular innovation by Lindsay has been for the members take turns in bringing in a copy of a favourite work of art and share why it is loved or admired. Over the years, the group have held many exhibitions in venues as unique and diverse as St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral and Bon Papillon café, until the pandemic struck.
Lyndsay also organises occasional guided tours of local art galleries and art exhibitions for the group where they can experience different genres and a wide range of styles, they may never get the chance to see otherwise.
The most recent being Grayson Perry’s 2023 witty and subversive range of exhibits, which gave much food for thought and conversation.
If you wish to explore/nurture your creative self, head on down to the RBGE’s Botanic Cottage on the 29th August when group activities start again.
Catherine Lonie