As some sit and chat while others put the finishing touches on their paintings, a few people bring out a plate of mini-cupcakes with candles in each. Everyone starts singing “Happy Birthday” to a member of the Heads Up For Hope brain injury support group. She’s surprised and delighted, and as she blows out her candles, someone starts slicing a real cake to avoid potential COVID-19 danger.

The group spent the afternoon painting a vase of sunflowers, with instruction from brain injury survivor and Silverthorne-based artist Jeremy Greene, and enjoying each other’s company. Saturday, Sept. 12 marked the Heads Up For Hope brain injury support group’s first formal workshop.