Pamela Schoenberg, owner/director of dnj Gallery, and Ted Meyer, founder of “ArtandMed,” announce their exhibition “Spontaneous Activity:” a group show by artists with Parkinson’s Disease. This art exhibit, part of the “Art and Med” program at dnj Gallery, is a desire to educate, spread awareness and raise funds for chronic health conditions.
The original “ArtandMed” curriculum, created for use in medical schools, adds an additional visual component to the education. The audience’s ability to comprehend becomes more substantial in viewing art dealing with a chronic disease, when it is created by an artist with that illness. dnj Gallery created this program to gain that distinct perspective, highlight patient/artist voices, and form a deeper knowledge and consciousness pertaining to members in our community.
The subject of our next exhibition is Parkinson’s disease. PD is a neurodegenerative disease due mostly to the deterioration around the base of the brain, which is involved in the coordination of movement. This illness slows activity, balance and bodily functions, as well as influences the senses and mental health. Cognition and memory consolidation are also greatly affected by Parkinson’s disease.
Schoenberg and Meyer will collaborate with Parkinson’s Community Los Angeles (PCLA) for this exhibition. This organization “provides the most current and inclusive information to enhance their PD toolkit, implement practical strategies for daily living, and foster meaningful connections within the Los Angeles Parkinson’s community and beyond.” PCLA will not only aid in the creation of the community but will assist in locatingj the patient/artists for the exhibition.
These patient/artists create not only beautiful works of art, but powerful images that tell deeper, personal stories. Each piece reflects how Parkinson’s affects their lives, bodies and artistic journeys. Spontaneous activity is proof that beauty can come from struggle. For example, artist James Tim Walker, a lifelong illustrator at Hanna-Barbera and the creative mind behind many beloved Saturday morning cartoons, turned his artistic focus inward after his Parkinson’s diagnosis. No more Flintstones for James—he now channels his immense talent into sharing his story of living with erratic movement, finding strength in faith, and navigating the daily struggles of life with Parkinson’s.