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Arbi
In Program

Arts & Healing Scholarship 2026

Arts and Healing Scholarship

2026 Arts & Healing Scholarship

Honoring Creativity, Courage, and Advocacy

Hidden Truths Project is excited to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 Arts & Healing Scholarship. This unique award supports individuals living with epilepsy who are pursuing higher education in the arts, advocacy, or healthcare.

The scholarship celebrates the resilience, creativity, and determination of students and adults who not only advance their education but also make a meaningful impact on the epilepsy community. Through artistic expression, public awareness, or service, these individuals transform their personal journeys into sources of healing, hope, and change.

The Arts & Healing Scholarship provides up to $1,000 in financial assistance to cover tuition, books, and fees. It is open to graduating high school seniors and adults across the United States living with epilepsy. The application is open whether applying to a college, university, or technical school.  Applicants are selected based on their academic ambition and commitment to advocacy or service.

Apply now and help shape a more compassionate, inclusive world through your art and advocacy.

The application deadline is May 16, 2026, and all materials must be received by that date. No exceptions can be made. Scholarship recipients will be announced on or before June 10, 2026.

Apply Now
Arbi
In Resources, Video

If Not Us, Then Who? Musical Medicine: Where Science Integrates with Art

If Not Us, Then Who? is more than a well-being forum — it’s a call to illuminate what’s long been kept in the shadows. This online gathering, hosted by Hidden Truths Project, invited us to witness the lived experience of epilepsy through the lens of art, empathy, and truth-telling. Musical Medicine is a powerful exploration of music’s influence on the brain, the body, and the heart. Research shows that music can: Shape how our nervous system functions and releases neurotransmitters. Evoke complex emotions that go far beyond “happy” or “sad.” Ease the psychological distress of illness. In rare cases, trigger musicogenic seizures, revealing deep connections between emotion, memory, and the electrical discharges in the brain in people with epilepsy. Music as knowledge. Music as healing. Music as storytelling from the inside out. In this video, musician and advocate Guy W. Stoker guided us through Purple Universe, a genre-spanning album giving voice to the lived experience of epilepsy. Together, we explored isolation, medication side effects, and — in a powerful twist — hear from epilepsy itself.

Arbi
In Resources, Video

If Not Us, Then Who? Perfectly Imperfect, The Janet Lee Story

She was made perfectly imperfect — and that became her greatest strength.

Explore the extraordinary life and legacy of Janet Lee, a Malaysian artist who defied expectations, challenged stigma, and created beauty in the face of adversity. Living with epilepsy, Janet refused to let her diagnosis define her. Instead, she transformed her journey into a beacon of hope for neurodivergent artists, families, and communities around the world. This special screening and conversation will highlight the new documentary film directed by award-winning young filmmaker Sanadtkumar Ganesan, featuring heartfelt reflections from Joyce Moi, Joanne Lee, and remarkable individuals across the globe whose lives have been touched by Janet’s story. Together, we’ll celebrate a tale of acceptance, love, and kindness — and the powerful truth that our imperfections are often the source of our greatest gifts.

Arbi
In Resources, Video

Chronic Pain Project

Janna Kimel & Ash Jorgenson Discuss the Chronic Pain Project’s Art Exhibition

It’s an art exhibition shining a light on chronic pain and invisible illnesses. Janna Kimel, Executive Director and founder of the Chronic Pain Project, joined us along with featured artist, Ash Jorgenson, to share how the exhibition creates visibility for artists whose work emerges from lived experience with chronic pain—perspectives rarely seen in traditional gallery spaces. Through painting, fiber arts, mixed media, and other visual forms, these artists transform invisible experiences into powerful visual stories.

The exhibition includes works that explore themes of isolation, resilience, the frustration of invisible illness, and unexpected moments of beauty within struggle. Each piece offers viewers a window into experiences that affect millions but remain largely unseen in public discourse. The Chronic Pain Project presents its third major exhibition featuring over 30 artists from Portland, across the United States, and internationally from the UK, Germany, and Switzerland.

Arbi
In Resources, Suggested Readings

Two Malaysians defy limits to leave a legacy of creativity and courage

Live Your Dream painting by Janet Lee

Janet Lee (1989–2023), born in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, was an internationally recognized colorist celebrated for her vibrant palette and free-flowing, expressive strokes. Despite living with intractable epilepsy and receiving a diagnosis of intellectual disability at age 16, Janet overcame these challenges to produce artwork that reflected joy, harmony, and a profound love for life.

She was a dedicated contributor to the Hidden Truths Project’s 1:26 The Art of Epilepsy with ongoing support from her family. We are deeply honored to see her legacy continue through the establishment of the Janet Lee Gallery in Kuala Lumpur and an upcoming documentary, which will also feature the Hidden Truths Project.

Janet is featured in The Star article, “Two Malaysians Defy Limits to Leave a Legacy of Creativity and Courage.” Click here to read.

To learn more and view Janet's work visit the Janet Lee Gallery website.

Arbi
In Resources, Suggested Readings

Service Dogs: What You Should Know (and Stop Believing)

Service Dogs: What You Should Know (and Stop Believing)

Service dogs are more than furry companions in vests – they are highly trained partners who perform essential, often life-saving tasks. From detecting medical emergencies to enhancing mobility and providing emotional support, these dogs empower individuals with disabilities to live with greater independence and confidence. Despite their growing presence in public spaces like airports, stores, and workplaces, many people still misunderstand the vital roles they play. Unfortunately, service dog handlers often encounter barriers, including public misconceptions, access challenges, and distractions caused by untrained animals or well-meaning strangers.

The journey to obtaining a service dog is rarely simple – it can be long, costly, and emotionally taxing, with training programs lasting up to two years and waitlists stretching for years. Yet for those who receive them, service dogs are life-changing. Take Arrow, for example – a seizure-alert service dog who works alongside Dr. Meghan Mills, who lives with epilepsy, relying on Arrow to help keep her safe and maintain independence. Arrow is trained to detect seizures before they occur, giving Dr. Mills time to prepare and stay safe. Their partnership is a powerful testament to the transformative role service dogs play – offering safety, stability, and renewed independence.

Watch how their partnership empowers Dr. Mills and learn how Arrow’s support goes beyond
companionship.

Learn More

Arbi
In Program

Orange County Arts and Disability

Orange-County-Arts-and-Disability_3

50th Annual Event: Orange County Arts and Disability

Saturday, April 25 | Doors open at 11:00 AM PT. | 2800 N Main St, Santa Ana, California

The 50th Annual Orange County Arts and Disability Festival is scheduled for April 25, 2026, at MainPlace Mall in Santa Ana.   The 2026 event will be hosted by Dani Bowman, an animator known from Netflix’s “Love on the Spectrum”.

VSA Orange County is now Orange County Arts and Disability (OCAD).  This new name proudly claims the word “disability” and clearly identifies who we serve: the arts and disability community. Our new name also provides us the opportunity to continue working to normalize and celebrate disability as part of our greater Orange County arts community.

OCAD provides arts, education, and cultural opportunities by, with, and for people with disabilities, making the arts ​​​​​accessible to people of all abilities.

Our logo was designed to encompass who we are as an organization. The two figures express joy, community, and inclusivity while celebrating the visual and performing arts. Purple was chosen because of its ties to creativity and reliability. The orange represents our connection to the broader Orange County arts community.

As an international, nonprofit organization founded in 1974 by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith, we are creating a society where people with disabilities can learn through, participate in, and enjoy the arts.  Orange County became the first site in the State of California in 1976.

Saturday, April 25th at MainPlace Mall in Santa Ana to culminate year-round, school and community-based arts program efforts, including hands-on workshops, a resource fair of community organizations that provide services to the disability community, performances, and a visual art exhibit, serving all ages and all disabilities. The opening ceremonies showcase outstanding performers and provide an overview of the day’s activities.

Arbi
In Program

Care Partner Spotlight

Clifford and Susan Buckley

In a world filled with stories of silent strength and extraordinary love, Clifford and Susan’s partnership is a shining beacon of resilience, creativity, and devotion. Clifford (pictured above), a talented artist living with epilepsy, transforms humble materials like lottery tickets and potato chip bags into stunning origami sculptures that he fondly refers to as his “babies.” His art, a celebration of resourcefulness and eco-consciousness, speaks to the power of imagination in transcending life’s challenges.

Yet, behind every fold and crease of Clifford’s sculptures lies the steady and loving hands of his wife and care partner, Susan. She meticulously folds countless triangles, each emblem of her unwavering support for Clifford’s artistic journey and shared life. Susan is more than a partner—she is Clifford’s rock, his compass in moments of uncertainty, and his unwavering advocate. Together, they embody the remarkable synergy that can flourish in the face of adversity.

As we share Susan and Clifford’s story, let it be a heartfelt homage to care partners everywhere. May it inspire us to recognize their invaluable contributions and to extend gratitude to these quiet warriors who shape lives with care and compassion.

Through their story, we are reminded of the often-invisible role that caregivers play in the lives of those living with epilepsy. These unsung heroes enhance the quality of life for their loved ones, offering not only physical assistance, emotional grounding and inspiration. Caregivers like Susan bring light to the journey, smoothing the rough edges and transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and connection.
Clifford and Susan’s tale is a tribute to all the caregivers in the world who, like Susan, give selflessly and tirelessly. They redefine what it means to love unconditionally, building bridges of understanding and compassion that make life’s hurdles less daunting.
As we share this story, let it serve as a heartfelt homage to caregivers everywhere. May it inspire us to recognize their invaluable contributions and to extend gratitude to these quiet warriors who shape lives with care and compassion. Susan and Clifford’s journey reminds us all: in the art of life, it is often the unspoken acts of love that create the most profound masterpieces.

Susan and Clifford’s journey reminds us all: In the art of life, it is often the unspoken acts of love that create the most profound masterpieces.

Arbi
In Resources, Suggested Readings

The lived experience of the burden of normality: Explored through the lens of art therapy

Abstract

Within the clinical and research spheres, there is increasing recognition of the importance of understanding the lived experience of ongoing illness and incorporating this voice into research and clinical practice. The current paper provides insights into the lived experience of undergoing epilepsy surgery, explored through the lens of art therapy. Six pieces of self-portraiture are presented that highlight key features of the burden of normality as experienced by joint first author Sarah Brown (SB) after her epilepsy surgery. Self-reflections from SB about her artwork are integrated with findings from the empirical literature that detail experiences of post-operative adjustment, providing novel insights into the post-operative adjustment process from the lived experience perspective. This approach highlights ways in which key findings from the research literature, which summates experiences at the group level, can be applied to the individual situation. The study also underscores the potential value of art therapy as a complementary therapy for holistic post-operative rehabilitation practices.

Read More

Arbi
In Event, Program

Sixth Annual Purple Day® For Epilepsy Awareness Around The World Expo 

Purple Day Preview

Purple Day® Expo

Saturday, March 28, 2026
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, Orlando, Florida

Purple Day® Every Day connects people just like you with epilepsy awareness initiatives and events all year round. With the help of Purple Day® Founder, Cassidy Megan, our Ambassadors and epilepsy organizations around the world, we’re putting purple (and epilepsy awareness) at the forefront 365 days a year while we  get ready to celebrate the main event on March 26th every year.

About the Purple Day® Expo

The Purple Day® Expo is an official gathering designed to connect the epilepsy community in an inspiring, informative, and inclusive environment. We bring together leading experts, advocates, families, and friends to learn, share, and raise awareness.

Beyond education and advocacy, Purple Day® Expo is packed with fun activities for all ages! Think exciting giveaways, creative face painting, and interactive experiences, like meeting Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, that make the day memorable. It’s a space where you’re never alone; surrounded by a supportive community, you’ll feel empowered and uplifted. Purple Day® Expo inspires you to take that energy back home and continue raising epilepsy awareness in your own community!

The Purple Day® Expo is for:

  • People living with epilepsy
  • Parents, caregivers, and family members
  • Friends and allies who want to support the cause
  • Healthcare providers and researchers
  • Educators and community leaders
  • Advocacy organizations
  • Anyone interested in learning more about epilepsy

Register Now for the Expo

Attending the Event?

Featured Workshop: Origami Sculpture with Clifford Buckley

We are thrilled to present Clifford Buckley, known for his extraordinary origami-inspired sculptures crafted primarily from recycled materials — lottery tickets, potato chip bags, Mint Magazines, and more. Using a modular 3-D origami technique he developed, Clifford transforms everyday paper into free-standing sculptures and intricate wall panels.

His work has been featured at:

  • Jacksonville International Airport’s main art gallery
  • Hidden Truths Project’s 1:26 The Art of Epilepsy exhibits
  • Numerous galleries and public installations nationwide

Create Your Own Origami Artwork

Under Clifford’s guidance, participants will learn to fold and assemble one of three sculptural designs:

  • Butterfly
  • Dragonfly
  • Angelfish

Each attendee will receive a complete kit with all materials needed to create their own origami piece from start to finish. No prior experience is required — just curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to explore.

Sign up here (must be registered for the Expo to attend)

Sign up for the Origami Workshop
Origami projects

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