The 78-year-old could create just about anything, says wife Robyn of her husband of 52 years, a former financial controller and computer programmer with a “razor-sharp” mind.

But since he was first diagnosed with with Parkinson’s disease in 2011, Mr Trentini has found his physical condition has deteriorated, making even walking difficult.

Mr Trentini, a father of 10, will be joining the pilot of a program for people with Parkinson’s when it begins in Wagga.

The program blends therapy with art and music, and was created by an artist whose husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

Mrs Trentini sees many benefits in Painting with Parkinson’s. Her husband will have a new creative outlet, will be able to spend time with others who understand his condition and is able to enjoy activities during the daylight hours in a bid to improve his sleep.

Painting with Parkinson’s is coming to Wagga after a conversation between two musicians three years ago.

Merrin Moran, a senior physiotherapist with Wagga Aged and Extended Care Services, also plays the violin and it was Ms Moran’s teacher Lauren Davis who raised the prospect of bringing the Painting with Parkinson’s program to the city.

Ms Davis had been involved in providing music for Canberra sessions of the program and was keen to see it extended to the Riverina.

Two initial pilot sessions – at the Wagga TAFE campus in 2016 and Erin Earth – in 2017 – proved successful, so the first full five-week course will begin at the Riverina community College in August 27.

Works produced by the participants will be exhibited at the end of the course, with a week-long exhibition due to begin on Monday, October 8.

“The philosophy underpinning Painting with Parkinson’s is based on research. The structure used in each workshop is evidence based and emphasises the process and materials of art to lessen the symptoms of Parkinson’s through immersion in the creative process,” Ms Moran said.

“The program is structured to bring about significant benefits to those who participate, from relief of symptoms such as tremor to reduced feelings of isolation and depression.

“Painting with Parkinson’s is now recognised as one of the most effective art therapy programs in the world for people with Parkinson’s disease.

“Research shows that in addition to medications, there are some activities that ease motor symptoms and improve the quality of life of those diagnosed with Parkinson’s. It may actually change the brain and allow it to form new pathways of communication among brain cells.”

Lieng Lay, is another senior physiotherapist with the Wagga Aged and Extended Care Services, but she is also an artist and will be providing the artistic guidance for the program.

She has put together a range of activities that blend therapy with art.

“From watercolours and acrylics to drawing and trying different brushes, pencils and tools, participants are will be offered a range of artistic mediums to explore,” Ms Lay said.

“With Parkinson’s the classic sign is to feel that they feel their world is getting smaller, because their movements get smaller and their physical expression in things like writing gets smaller,” she said.

“Part of the program is to get them to express themselves emotionally but also physically to increase their movements through art with the music in the background as inspiration.

“The focus is on the whole person, as an artist who can express themselves, rather than as a sufferer.”

Adding to the atmosphere, students from the Riverina Conservatorium of Music will be providing background music.

“In Canberra, several musicians from the acclaimed Canberra Symphony Orchestra regularly share their musical mastery,” Ms Moran said.

Ms Davis, the musician who first suggested having a Painting with Parkinson’s program in Wagga, will be co-ordinating the students who will perform.

But, Ms Moran said, the benefits of the Painting with Parkinson’s go beyond the physical, with possible benefits to mental health as well.

“This program may reduce the risk of depression by allowing people to express themselves and their emotions, temporarily escape the inhibitions of the disease and produce colourful appealing potential gifts for family and friends,” she said.

Wagga’s Margaret Golsby has been living with Parkinson’s disease for 16 years.

It was tremors in her hand that first alerted her to possible symptoms and that teamed with some weakness in her right side led to her diagnosis.

But Ms Golsby counts herself as lucky, as her Parkinson’s is “slow progressing”.

The disease manifests itself differently in individual cases.

“The program is very relaxing and I enjoy it,” Mrs Golsby said.

“It’s not only the painting, but it’s nice to have other people around who have the same limitations as you do in various ways.

“It is a disease that people don’t often recognise because some of the signs are invisible. Obviously some are not, but others are.”

But it is not just people who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease – and there are at least 200 of them in Wagga – who benefit from the program.

Ms Moran said carers are being welcomed along, although they don’t actually participant in the art sessions.

Instead, they have the chance to take a break, enjoy a cuppa and talk to other carers.

For Gwen Web and Mrs Trentini, this opportunity is invaluable.

With their husbands living with Parkinson’s, they admit, it can sometimes be tough going.

“It’s just really good to be able to talk to other people who understand,” Mrs Webb said.

“Some days are good, some days are not good, so it’s nice to have a little break and talk to others,” Mrs Trentini added.

This first Painting with Parkinson’s program has been boosted by a $3000 grant from Wagga City Council.

If they program runs successfully in Wagga, Ms Moran said there may be options for running outreach programs at other centres in the Murrumbidgee Local Health District, like Griffith, West Wyalong, Young and Cootamundra.

To book a place, call 02 5943 1600. Each sessions costs $10 and includes afternoon tea. A second course is planned for March 2019.