Local visual artist Adrianna Reloba will lead a guided hands-on art project Friday at a free event designed for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers in St. Mary’s County.
MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital hosts Art in Motion from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 17 at the Population & Community Health building, 41550 Doctor’s Crossing Road in Leonardtown. The program combines adaptive art therapy, physical movement and social connection.
The event models MedStar Health’s Art Moves! program in Baltimore. It offers activities tailored for people with Parkinson’s while providing opportunities for caregivers to participate.
Reloba, founder of Freedom Palette, brings her expertise in mobile workshops that emphasize community-building and accessible, nature-inspired creative experiences. The St. Mary’s Arts Council sponsors the art project. Visual arts students from St. Mary’s Ryken will assist participants.
A Rock Steady Boxing demonstration from the YMCA highlights a research-backed fitness program that improves mobility, balance and coordination for individuals with Parkinson’s. Attendees receive a complimentary lunch.
“Creative arts therapies engage multiple areas of the brain at once, movement, emotion, and cognition, which is especially important for people living with Parkinson’s,” said Lori Werrell, assistant vice president of Care Transformation at MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital. “Research shows these activities can help improve motor function, reduce anxiety and depression, and enhance overall quality of life.”
Werrell added, “Living with Parkinson’s requires constant adaptation. Programs that combine movement, creativity, and community are powerful because they address the person and the symptoms.”
Reloba said the workshop creates space for expression in a welcoming environment. “Art has always been a way for people to connect, with themselves and with each other,” she stated. “Workshops like this create space for expression, creativity, and community in a way that feels welcoming and meaningful.”
Susie Glauner, executive director of the St. Mary’s Arts Council, noted the partnership’s value for local families. “We’re committed to making creative experiences accessible across St. Mary’s County,” she said. “Our partnership with MedStar Health brings that mission to life in a way that directly benefits patients and families.”
Parkinson’s disease affects movement and daily function for thousands of residents in Southern Maryland. St. Mary’s County, along with Calvert and Charles counties, sees growing demand for supportive programs that address both physical symptoms and quality-of-life needs. MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital serves as a key health care provider in the region, with its Population & Community Health building focused on outreach and wellness initiatives.
The event remains free and open to participants and caregivers. No registration details were specified beyond attending at the listed location and time.
This marks one of several community health efforts by MedStar St. Mary’s aimed at chronic condition support. The hospital continues collaborations with local organizations including the YMCA and St. Mary’s Arts Council to expand accessible programming.
Southern Maryland’s aging population and rural setting make targeted wellness events particularly relevant. Families in Leonardtown, California, Great Mills and surrounding areas can benefit from programs that combine medical insight with creative and physical activities.
Adrianna Reloba’s work through Freedom Palette has gained recognition in St. Mary’s County for inclusive workshops using ethically sourced materials. Her selection for this event aligns with the council’s mission to spotlight local artists.
Rock Steady Boxing classes have expanded in the region, offering non-contact training that complements traditional therapy for Parkinson’s management.
MedStar Health encourages attendance for anyone interested in learning more about adaptive arts and movement options. The three-hour afternoon includes structured activities balanced with time for interaction and lunch.
No cost or prior experience is required. Participants should dress comfortably for light movement components.
This initiative reflects broader efforts in Southern Maryland to integrate arts into health care. Similar programs have shown positive outcomes in motor skills, mood and social connection for chronic condition management.
The Population & Community Health building provides a convenient, accessible venue near Leonardtown’s medical campus. Parking and facility accommodations support attendees with mobility needs.
