Inspired by art

One of our most popular groups is the weekly art class where residents gather to sketch, paint, draw and create masterpieces!

The class is run by Emma who is used to running engaging and interesting creative activities with older people.

Each week Emma has a theme for the class and comes with all the necessary paints or inks, paper or canvas or glues and collage materials. Activities include lino printing to tracing printing; watercolour, oil and acrylic painting; drawing and sketching in charcoal and crayon; to making collages using scraps of wool, felt and material.

Art allows our residents to use their creative skills and to experience the tactile qualities of the paint, its smell, touch and feel and the other materials that the class uses. Many of our residents are very competent artists and enjoy the opportunity that the art classes provide to show off their skills.

We have a display of work permanently on show in the art room, from hand-crafted wallpapers to models, pictures and painting. At Christmas residents are encouraged to make their own cards for loved ones and some of our artists enjoy making greeting cards for birthdays and special occasions or notelets that they can use to write letters on.

Emma says, “Creativity can help older people to enjoy better health, wellbeing and quality of life. Taking part in the art classes enables them to express themselves creatively as well as helping maintain their dexterity, inspiration and creativity. The sense of achievement and having something to share with to visitors and staff makes it very rewarding, both for me and for them!”

Although not everyone has drawn or painted as a hobby before, everyone is welcome at the weekly art class. Many residents say that it makes them remember their past as they paint scenes of beaches, streets and houses that have been a key part of their lives. Others just enjoy the friendship and conversation as they sit and sketch and while away a pleasant time being creative.