Kelley Boland’s beaded designs are doing more than catching sunlight. They are catching much attention wherever they are displayed.

Such was the case at August’s Empowered LIVE!, an annual event to empower persons living with Parkinson’s Disease to celebrate life and stay engaged. Boland, a newer member of the Young Onset group supported by Meadowlark Parkinson’s Program, was one of several VIPDs showing off their handiwork and hobbies at the LIVE! gathering, held prior to the Speedy PD Race for Parkinson’s Disease.

Constructed of repurposed chicken wire, multi-colored beads and baubles, and frames and/or embroidery hoops, Boland’s suncatchers attracted admiring glances and sparked conversation.

“Folks asked if I was selling them, and that didn’t cross my mind,” said Boland, a Junction City resident.

Rather, Boland said this new artistic pastime began after a pep talk from her daughter and hearing a suggestion at a Young Onset meeting.

“They encourage us to keep our mind and hands focused,” said Boland, 63. She’s an underwriter at Central National Bank in Junction City and was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in January 2023. Working with beads doesn’t stop Parkinson’s symptoms, such as tremors, but “I don’t let that stop me. I just focus, take my time, and do it. I really enjoy the process.”

Boland also calls sourcing her supplies a “cool adventure.” She finds it thrilling to discover frames and jewelry that can be repurposed at estate sales, yards sales, and antique shops.

A conversation at Empowered LIVE! about her searches for inexpensive supplies led to a new partnership with Meadowlark Market. In exchange for frames and pretty-but-out-of-style necklaces, Boland will donate suncatchers to the Market to be sold at monthly sales to benefit the Good Samaritan Fund. She donated three designs of various shapes and sizes for the September sale. Two featured multicolored beads, and a third was created with purple, white, clear, and lavender beads to appeal to K-State fans.

All three sold prior to closing on the Market’s first day. One customer purchased two as Christmas gifts.

“I’m tickled pink that Market customers liked them,” Boland said.

She reiterated that her goal in working with beads is for enjoyment rather than  employment, but if she does sell any of her creations, she plans to donate a portion of the proceeds to the Parkinson’s Program.

“This keeps me going,” Boland said. “It keeps me motivated.”