A number of vibrant paintings, drawings, collages and photographs will be exhibited in the Education Gallery at Clwyd Theatr Cymru from 5 – 26 April, marking the end of a far reaching ten week project at Llys Eleanor Extra Care Housing in Shotton, where elderly participants worked with artist Felicity Owens.
This project, initiated by engage Cymru in partnership with Flintshire County Council Arts Culture and Events Officer, and Health and Wellbeing Partnership, has been part of a wider Wales-wide research project exploring the health and wellbeing benefits that galleries and the visual arts can offer older people who may not have had access to galleries or creative arts activities in the past. The projects have involved a range of older people with mixed abilities, mobility restrictions and dementia.
All participants felt a great sense of achievement when producing the artwork that built their portfolio. Even one member who could draw very well learned new techniques and enjoyed the challenges he was set by the artist. Early success for all gave a sense of purpose to the activities and stimulated real effort to succeed with the tasks set to produce a piece of artwork in which they could take pride. There are many photos that clearly express the sense of achievement that individuals felt.
Participants also gained confidence in mastering the new techniques that they were learning and adjusted the way that they tackled an activity to suit them. For example, a wheelchair user propped up her canvas so that she had better control over the painting rather than working with it flat.
Feedback from the project included:
“I’m thoroughly delighted with what I’ve done” (participant)
“Two of the gentlemen here have established a good friendship, and their friendship continues to flourish” (carer at Llys Eleanor)
The art activities have complemented a range of activities that Llys Eleanor is able to provide, thanks to the enthusiasm and creativity of the staff and, in particular, the Activities Manager Julia Griffiths. Assistant artist June McHenry worked alongside the group each week helping to document and record the project and her support has been invaluable in terms of collecting research evidence.
Engage Cymru Coordinator Angela Rogers said:
“This project has formed part of a strategic programme of work aimed at addressing many of the challenges which face older less mobile people and helping to broaden access to galleries for a wider audience. We will share the learning outcomes of this project extensively across the arts and health sectors in Wales, the UK and internationally”.
The project was funded by Arts Council Wales, National Lottery, Age Cymru (Gwanwyn Festival) and Flintshire County Council Arts Events and Culture Department.
