A portrait of superstar Tom Jones created by older people has been presented to Pontypridd Day Centre.
People aged 50-plus got involved in creating a range of artwork which will go on show in day centres across the borough, through a project called ‘Life is What You Make It’.
The portrait of Tom Jones is the first to be displayed as part of the initiative, led by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council working alongside non profit-making community enterprise Pippin Design Ltd.
Cllr Mike Forey, Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care and Well-being, and the Council’s Older Person’s Champion, went along to unveil the portrait and meet those involved in the project.
“‘Life is What You Make It’ has been a huge success and this artwork is physical proof!” he said.
“We are very grateful to the people who created the picture and the gift they are making to the Day Centre. A big thank you to Sally and John Phillips of Pippin Design who gave participants a platform for their artistic talents by hosting an art workshop at the 50+ event held at Llantrisant Leisure Centre in October.
“This project demonstrates the opportunities that are out there and I hope that when people visit the Day Centre and look at the picture on display here, it serves as a good reminder of this,” added Cllr Forey.
The 50+ Day offered members of the public aged 50 and over a wide range of information and workshops and an opportunity to tell the Council what they think about services available.
At one of the workshops, visitors met Sally and John of Pippin Design. Celebrating older Welsh icons, they designed four pieces of artwork of actors Sir Anthony Hopkins and Catherine Zeta Jones and singing stars Dame Shirley Bassey and Sir Tom Jones. Visitors were able to pick up a paint brush and help complete the artworks themselves.
