Lost in Art is a project aimed at people aged 50+ with dementia, along with their family carers. Each week, participants visit the galleries at Ruthin Craft Centre where they view and respond to exhibitions; working alongside artist Sian Hughes they produce artwork with the gallery acting as starting point and inspiration.
The aim of the project is to explore the role of the visual arts in addressing issues which can affect people with dementia, including social isolation, confidence, communication and quality of life and wellbeing. Sian Fitzgerald, Arts Development Officer for Denbighshire, said: “Several of our members have been attending Lost in Art for over two years and they get huge pleasure from it. Not only do they get to create wonderful artworks with Sian Hughes, but they also get to meet up regularly and have fun in the process.
Children from Ysgol Gellifor have worked alongside the Lost in Art group to make a collaborative artwork during one session. The group were able to share their creative ideas with the children, thereby raising awareness of dementia and how it affects people in their community. Sue Roberts, Head Teacher of Ysgol Gellifor, indicated that the children who attended the workshop got a huge amount from it, commenting the pupils learnt some wonderful artistic skills, but the project also formed a really important part of their Personal Social Education as well.
An exhibition of the group’s work opens in Studio 5 at Ruthin Craft Centre on Monday 9 December, with a Private View being held from 2-3pm that day. All are welcome to attend and meet the participants.
Lost in Art is funded by the Arts Council of Wales and Denbighshire County Council.
