The art group meets on Thursday mornings at Carnation House, and is open to anyone with MS or those who are closely associated with MS, eg, caregivers, partners, etc. Paint, brushes and drawing paper are provided although most prefer to bring their own canvases. Acrylic paint is the medium normally used.
The group was started in April 2007 by Lorna van der Lijn, whose husband has had MS for nearly 13 years. Lorna acts as a "guide" to our group of artists, most of whom have never painted before joining the group. There is no structured, formal teaching. Each person is given the help they require to enable them to learn to paint and complete an art work.
Lorna has been painting since she was at school although during a busy career, she painted very little. Since retiring she has painted with a professional artist and attended "refresher" classes at Queen Elizabeth College.
"There is always something new to learn," she says. "The thing about art is that it is totally absorbing and it takes you right away from everything you have to deal with on a daily basis - it is one of the very best therapies in the world. You think you can't paint? Well, that's just what most of our group said before they started! Just come along and see what they are doing now!"
We are very pleased to advise that Lorna was awarded the 2009 Caregiver of the Year Award at MS New Zealand's AGM in October 2009. Congratulations, Lorna!
Special thanks to Ochre Art Supplies, The Square, Palmerston North, for their excellent advice, quality products and great prices. And also to Community Arts Council for their generous donation towards the art class running costs.
Group painting December 2008
