RUSTON, La. — Louisiana Tech University’s VISTA Center and the Parkinson Resource Center recently partnered to host a watercolor workshop for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners, offering participants an opportunity for creative expression and social engagement.
The workshop was led by Nick Bustamante, professor and director of the VISTA Center, and Dr. Donna Hood, associate dean of Louisiana Tech’s College of Applied and Natural Sciences. Participants learned salt-enhanced watercolor painting techniques while working in a collaborative setting designed to encourage interaction and support.
Students from the VISTA Center and the College of Applied and Natural Sciences assisted throughout the event, providing guidance and encouragement as participants completed their artwork.
Organizers said the workshop was intended to promote creativity, relaxation and social connection among participants. The event is part of an ongoing partnership between the VISTA Center and the Parkinson Resource Center.
“Seeing the smiles and the incredible artwork produced today reminds us why the Parkinson’s Resource Center exists,” Hood said. “It’s about community, support, and finding new ways to thrive together.”
Bustamante said the collaboration also provides meaningful opportunities for students to engage with community outreach efforts.
“This watercolor workshop is the latest collaboration in an ongoing partnership between the Parkinson Resource Center and the VISTA Center,” Bustamante said. “I am grateful for the opportunity that both our students and I have to support the important work Dr. Hood and her team are doing, and the involvement of our students makes these experiences especially meaningful.”
The VISTA Center offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Scientific Visual Communication and interdisciplinary minors in Pre-Medical Illustration and Scientific Visualization. The program combines art, biology and biomedical engineering to help students communicate scientific concepts through visual media.
The Parkinson Resource Center was established through a grant from the Parkinson’s Foundation and was developed by Edmond J. Safra Visiting Nurse Scholars Dr. Tara Haskins and Hood through Louisiana Tech’s Division of Nursing. The center connects individuals with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners to programs, services and support resources aimed at improving quality of life.
University officials said partnerships between the VISTA Center and the Parkinson Resource Center are designed to combine education, healthcare and community engagement through collaborative programming.