Newbury’s Creative Communities show the importance of art and creativity for wellbeing

Creative Communities end of course year exhibition Unity was this year hosted at Arlington Arts and despite the horrific weather for the Friday launch evening, there was an amazing turnout with over 70 people attending.

The exhibition was opened by local artist and resident artist at Greenham’s The Base Ellie Kerr-Smiley who talked to the guests about the importance of art and being creative for our wellbeing.

It was, said Creative Communities managing director and head of creativity and wellbeing Tanya Reid, fitting as the courses are all Art for Wellbeing in different community environments.

“The exhibition was fully inclusive with work displayed from our SEN group, our elderly participants living in care homes and attending daycentres, many with dementia or other age related illness, and some amazing pieces from our visually impaired artists.

“We also have the amazing artwork from our Art for Wellbeing sessions that take place in partnership with Sovereign Network group delivered in the communal spaces in five of their schemes across West Berkshire and a few pieces from our evening Adult Tailored learning courses.

“There is also a small amount of work on display by our fantastically talented tutors on a variety of the courses, from sewing, floristry, printing, ceramics and even some work by our two directors - myself and Sarah Hemmings.”

This year they decided to choose one 'stand out piece' to award someone with a free workshop of their choice, the prize also included a £50 voucher to spend on art materials at Hobbycraft. This years winner was Follow the Path by Shirley Heath who attends the Art for Wellbeing course in Burghfield.

“We chose this piece because not only was it beautifully executed and technically very well painted, but like all good art, it also had an emotional connection, the viewer feels drawn in to the mystery and poetry of the work. We felt it was just quite special.

“Her award was presented by Alison Prudden from the Adult Community Learning Team at West Berkshire Council who are big supporters of us and help fund our Reconnect Program in carehomes and daycentres aswell as our Making with Maths courses.”

All the community courses are free funded by Sovereign Network Group, West Berkshire Council and The Lottery Community Fund and our Evening Tailored Learning courses (previously called Adult Leisure) have reduced fees available and are subsidised by West Berkshire ACL.

Their new courses for the autumn are now on the website https://creative-communities.org.uk/courses

The exhibition is open until July 31, at Arlington Arts, Snelsmore. It is open from Monday - Friday and though it is free, the centre likes visitors to book. Its all on their website. https://arlington-arts.com/exhibitions/

There will be three workshop days over the next academic year, all at Arlington Arts on September 14, December 14 and April 12.

“We hope to fill all their spaces with a wonderful creative learning buzz,” adds Tanya. “These workshops can all be booked on our website www.creative-communities.org.uk now.”