Epilepsy Portraits
The “Epilepsy Portraits” project is the result of a collaboration idea between the EEA and artist, Katie Tilbury, also a member of the EEA and a person with epilepsy. The idea is to engage with EEA members, to share their personal stories and life journeys with epilepsy, and agree to be photographed and interviewed, as Katie creates personal painting of their portraits, which will be officially launched at the EEA 65th Anniversary, on June 21, 2025. The project includes three phases:
- Phase One – Brainstorming and Planning (late 2023)
- Phase Two – Recruitment and Story-Telling (2024)
- Phase Three – The Portraits – Showcases (2025)
The main goals of this project are to engage with members of our epilepsy community, in northern Alberta, who live with an epilepsy diagnosis, from all ages and backgrounds. We will engage with each participant through telling their story, via a mix of communication media: story-telling in text and video-formats, professional photography and artistic portraits, completed by artist, Katie Tilbury. The final products of this project will tell real stories behind the faces and experiences of wonderful people, who find their own ways in their epilepsy journey.
See below a few special photos of our members who are part of this project.
EVENTS AND PROGRAMS
- June 22, 2024 FUN AT THE PARK
- July 13, 2024 – Members’ Field Trip to Devonian Botanical Gardens
- June 20, 2025 – Epilepsy Symposium
- June 21, 2025 – EEA Anniversary Gala
HOW PARTICIPANTS ENGAGE WITH THIS PROJECT
- Participants are individuals who live with epilepsy, or their care-givers on their behalf. Participants of all ages are invited to join.
- Participants must be available for a professional photo-shoot at a set date in Edmonton. Professional black and white photos in digital format will be shared free of charge.
- Participants engage in recorded interviews with the artist and agree to have their images, voice, recordings, and portraits shared for the project.
- Participants will be offered the chance to purchase their portraits, and have their stories shared in a publication by the EEA for our 65th Anniversary.
CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS IS NOW CLOSED. WE THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR INTEREST.
For questions email us at info@edmontonepilepsy.org
OUR PARTICIPANTS’ LIST
Thank you for registering and helping us create wonderful stories and be ready to have your portraits taken by our artist, Katie Tilbury! You will soon learn more about our volunteers.
- MEGAN H.
- MAUREEN W.
- TAMMY H.
- KATRINA B.
- TIMOTHY
- KELIAH L.
- JAMES B.
- JACK M.
- KIMBERLY A.
- KARIMA E.
- ZACH W.
READ ABOUT THEIR STORIES
Read below articles about our participants. Click on each name to access the PDF. We will include these stories in the 65th Anniversary EEA Book publication, which we will unveil on June 20, 2025.
Memorable Quotes!
“You are not your diagnosis!”
“Cherish the good times! Always!”
“I would like to think I have left the world around me a bit better than when I found it!”
“Not every day will be as one hopes it to be – but you can always learn from each day and make tomorrow better!”.
UPDATES ON THE PROJECT
Visit our page on a regular basis to learn about the progress of this project. Refer to the side links to engage with our initiative. We are actively seeking up to 12 volunteer members of the EEA (become a member today) who live with epilepsy, of any age. Participants will be contacted once they complete the form for steps to engage with our team. The final showcase of completed portraits, a book and mini-documentaries will be exhibited at the EEA 65th Anniversary Gala, on June 21, 2025. For any questions email us at info@edmontonepilepsy.org.
We are almost done with the recorded interviews and get-to-know-you sessions, along with the professional photography. Our artist is well at work in her creations. Stay tuned. (March 2024).