18 Jul, 2025
Helen Tolhurst had a unique and inspiring vision. A retired doctor and now a passionate fibre artist living at Green Hills Residential Care Service, Helen lives with Parkinson’s disease. Motivated by her personal experience and as founder of the Maitland Parkinson’s Support Group’s art program, she envisioned expanding access to creative expression for those with more advanced Parkinson’s living in residential care.
Her passion and perseverance secured her grant funding to run art classes for people living with Parkinson’s disease.
“Art brings so much joy into my life,” Helen shared. “I wanted to share that joy with others who may not otherwise have the opportunity.”
The 10-week program, hosted at Green Hills, has provided a creative and therapeutic outlet for residents and community members alike.
Research supports the benefits of art for people with Parkinson’s. Studies have shown that engaging in creative activities can improve motor skills, reduce anxiety, and enhance overall wellbeing. Remarkably, some individuals experience a temporary reduction in tremors while creating art—an effect observed in this very program.
“There is anecdotal evidence that creativity can flourish in people with Parkinson’s,” Helen noted. “In our group, one participant’s tremor stopped while drawing. It’s moments like these that show how powerful art can be.”
The program welcomed eight regular participants, including residents and members of the local community. Funded by Maitland City Council, the grant included classes focused on drawing techniques culminating in a public exhibition celebrating the participants’ work.
Over eight weeks, the craft room at Green Hills transformed into a sanctuary of colour and connection. Eight residents, joined by members of the support group, gathered not just to draw, but to explore, to laugh, and have a go. Some arrived unsure, hesitant to begin. But under the gentle guidance of expert teacher Gillian Hewitt, each pencil stroke became a step forward. Gillian didn’t just teach, she embraced every challenge, every tremor, every doubt, and turned them into triumphs.
The exhibition, Demystify, was a true celebration, not only of art, but resilience, courage and creativity.
100 visitors attended and were full of admiration for the art on display; each piece a testament to the journey taken by the artists. Kim Blunt, the head curator of the Maitland Regional Art Gallery, was in attendance and delivered a moving speech on the profundity of art.
Helen was thrilled with the outcome. “I am so proud of what our residents have achieved. Their work is wonderful.”
Family and friends were equally impressed. Noel, husband of one of the participants said, “I can’t believe how well she’s done, as Janice has never been able to draw and to see what she’s done at this stage of her life is remarkable.”
Judith, one of the resident artists said, “I wasn’t sure initially, but I enjoyed the class very much.” Her son David was pleased for his mum, “It’s amazing to see what Mum has achieved; all the family are so proud.”
We celebrate Helen’s leadership and the success of this program. In many ways, it’s a reminder that creativity lives in all of us; that even in the face of uncertainty, beauty finds a way through.
The art will be available to view in Green Hills Residential Care Service’s Café Space to view until the end of next week when they’ll be returned to the artists.
