Louisiana Tech University’s VISTA (Visual Integration of Science Through Art) Center and the Parkinson Resource Center recently partnered to host an interactive watercolor workshop designed to foster creativity, connection, and community support for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners.
Led by Professor and Director of the VISTA Center Nick Bustamante and Associate Dean of Louisiana Tech's College of Applied and Natural Sciences Dr. Donna Hood, participants explored the textures and techniques of salt-enhanced watercolor painting in a welcoming and collaborative environment.
The event also featured the involvement of Louisiana Tech students from both the VISTA Center and the College of Applied and Natural Sciences, who worked alongside participants throughout the workshop to provide encouragement, assistance, and creative support.
Beyond creating artwork, the workshop offered participants a tactile and engaging experience intended to promote expression, relaxation, and meaningful social interaction.
“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 workshop reflects the ongoing partnership between the VISTA Center and the Parkinson Resource Center and highlights the impact of interdisciplinary collaboration at Louisiana Tech.
“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 in Scientific Visual Communication and two interdisciplinary minors: Pre-Medical Illustration and Scientific Visualization. By bringing together faculty expertise in art, biology, and biomedical engineering, the program provides students with unique opportunities to communicate complex scientific concepts through visual storytelling and artistic design.
Louisiana Tech’s Parkinson Resource Center was established through a grant from the Parkinson’s Foundation and developed by Edmond J. Safra Visiting Nurse Scholars Dr. Tara Haskins and Dr. Donna Hood from Louisiana Tech’s Division of Nursing. Through collaboration among faculty, students, and University resources, the center connects individuals living with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners with programs, services, and support aimed at improving quality of life.
Through partnerships like this watercolor workshop, Louisiana Tech continues to create innovative opportunities that combine art, healthcare, and education to serve the community in meaningful ways.