Art Exhibition at the Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust!

04/16/2019

Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust is the largest specialist heart and lung centre in the UK and among the largest in Europe. Both hospitals are renowned for their expertise and standard of care in the field of heart and lung disease.

The Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospitals Charity funds innovative treatment, equipment and research at their two hospitals, that fall outside of NHS funding. They brings the benefits of the arts to support in and outpatients at Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals and the local communities surrounding each hospital.

We are delighted to be currently exhibiting in their Sydney Street Coffee Shop. Our art exhibition features a variety of work created by participants during our art sessions across the country, showcasing the work that we do that boosts the participants self confidence and esteem and in turn helps them to overcome isolation and loneliness that can occur in care settings.

On Sunday 31st March, Community Development Manager Sarah & Creative Minds Artist Georgiana led the installation of the artwork. The work on display includes acrylic paintings, pastel drawings, landscapes, figurative pieces and vibrant abstract work. A wonderful representation of the diverse selection of work created during our art sessions.

The Director of the Brompton Foundation commented “I just wanted to say how much I really love the new exhibition in the coffee shop!!”

The art exhibition is open to the public until Sunday 19th May, and we’d like to encourage everyone to pop in to view it! Please post or tweet about the exhibition, mentioning us and the Royal Brompton and we will share it. 🙂

Our Community Meeting, March 2019

04/16/2019

We had another beautiful sunny day for our spring Community Meeting. Twice a year our passionate artists travel from across the UK to come together for a day of creativity, networking, sharing ideas, company news and updates plus a chance to catch up with old friends.

The day began with a fun ice-breaker, where Community Development Manager Sarah encouraged everyone to write down the answers to 5 questions about themselves on a piece of paper. She then got everyone to fold it into a paper airplane and launch it across the room. Each artist had to retrieve the one that landed closest to them, and discover who’s it was. This straight away got everyone talking, laughing and having fun.

After this, everyone enjoyed a bite to eat and a catch up for an informal networking session. Artists discussed projects they are working on, activities they are running with clients and any challenges they face, offering each other ideas and advice whilst sharing creative tips. This in essence is what the Community Meeting is all about.

Everyone then broke out into groups for a “Create and Design” session. This was the chance for CM Artists to get creative and explore different types of art sessions that they can run with different types of clients. Everyone got stuck in, working in a variety of different mediums. Each group had to create their own piece of artwork to showcase the ideas they brainstormed, which they then presented to the rest of the group.

We all then enjoyed a cuppa and some cake whilst reflecting on the ideas that came from the “Create and Design” session and how they can be applied to different client groups.

Following this, Creative Minds Founder and Director James Cropper ended with a presentation on all the latest company news and updates. James really brought across why now is such an exciting time to be working in the arts and health industry!

This Creative Minds Community Meeting is always a wonderful social occasion. It’s great to bring together so many like-minded passionate artists, all sharing their advice, experience and support. Everyone left feeling positive and uplifted, after hearing so many stories about the impact that their work is doing to bring joy to people’s lives!

Resident Amazes With Stunning Paintings!

02/18/2019

After a 16-year break from art, Derrick Waller, resident at Saxonwood Care Home in Battle has re-ignited his creative flair since participating in the art sessions. The staff are delighted to see such beautiful artwork produced by a resident.

Derrick had a long career as an artist and illustrator and regularly exhibited work. Sadly, following the loss of his wife, he lost his creative passion and no longer felt inspired to continue his artistic practice. His daughter tried to encourage him to attend local art classes, but he was not interested. Then at the beginning of last year, he moved to Saxonwood Care Home where Creative Minds artist Sarah Bryant persuaded him to join her art session. For the first time in 16 years he picked up a paintbrush again, and has once again become immersed in his creative practice. With a sparkle in his eyes, Derrick proudly shares the artwork he produces with residents at Saxonwood. All thoroughly enjoy viewing his diverse collection of work, which includes paintings, sketches and ceramics.

His daughter Susan has said; “My sister and I are thrilled to see him producing such beautiful artwork again.”

Creative Minds artist Sarah says; “It is a pleasure and privilege to work with Derrick and to see him creating stunning artwork again. To see the impact our sessions bring to clients, such as Derrick is so empowering. Knowing that you can make a difference gives me incredible job satisfaction,”

Brightening up Care Homes with Marvelous Murals!

03/08/2017

Our Creative Minds (CM) Artist’s visit a huge variety of care homes and other venues every month reaching over 1000 participants in their Art Sessions. Lots of artwork is created by the participants and so we try to encourage all of the care homes and other venues we work with to display the artwork on the walls to help create a vibrant and stimulating environment. All of the care homes that have displayed the residents artwork on their wall have noted not only the positive impact its had on the residents but the impact its had on the care environment, giving the home more vitality. Care homes are now looking at other ways they can liven up communal areas and corridors and the staff at Hammonds Care Home in Bognor Regis decided to approach Jenny S, their CM Artist based in Chichester about painting a mural to brighten up their entrance and hallway. James Hodge, Manager of Hammonds Care Home, explains to us the thought behind the wild flower mural project and how the home has reacted to their fabulous custom artwork!

What made you decide to have a mural at Hammonds Care Home?

“Hammonds is a residential and respite service for adults with learning disabilities. Hammonds has a lovely homely and fun feel to it and we like to keep the place looking bright by displaying the art of the people that live or stay with us here. We have always felt that the entrance and hallway to the home didn’t reflect the atmosphere of the home being quite cold and dull with brown doors to cupboards and noticeboards. It looked more like an office than a home.”

“Jenny S, has been coming to us delivering Art Sessions with some of the people that live here and we discussed what we could do. The Art Sessions participants started off by making `Welcome to Hammonds’ bunting. This looked great but then really got us thinking about doing something more. It then just happened quickly. We looked at some designs, a bit of base painting and hey presto we were underway….and now we have a lovely wild meadow instead of a dull hallway. The Art Sessions group are going to paint some meadow animals and insects to really give it a 3D effect.”

How have the residents and staff reacted to the mural?

“Everyone loves it, visitors, staff and residents. Every time someone comes through the door they comment on it and how much they like it. It seems like everyone has a favourite flower. I find I am often in the hallway with people picking out our favourite ones. One lady has just done her own drawing of her favourite `the daffodil’.”

James asked another resident who lives at the home and they said, “I just like it. I like the colours and it looks much nicer.”

What’s your opinion on the artwork?

“I am a great believer in the influence of environment on people and this has a really positive effect. Our entrance and hallway now reflects the positive and welcoming atmosphere of the home. It gives everyone a lift, is a talking point and it makes me smile every time I walk through the door. The mural is better than I could have hoped for as is the response to it. I had high hopes for the mural and even with these I have been surprised just how much a difference it has made.”

James Hodge Manager, Hammonds Care Home.

“I had a lovely time working on the mural at Hammonds Care Home, the staff and residents were so on board about wanting a piece to brighten up the space. The flowers work so well and It’s great to give them a piece of art that welcomes both them and visitors.”

Jenny S, CM Artist.

We’ve seen a rise in the number of care homes requesting mural’s and this is a service that our community of experienced CM Artists are more happy to provide.

Thanks for reading,

Kayleigh.

Full of Life Fair 2016!

12/06/2016

On the Friday 7^th October 2016 we experienced our first Full of Life Fair at Twickenham Stadium in Twickenham, London and what a fantastic busy event it was! The Full of Life Fair is held at a venue every year and is run by Richmond Council to connect local over 55’s with over 75 local business in the area. The event was a roaring success with over 1200 residents and carers attending the annual event and James and Elaine we’re there on behalf of Creative Minds!

As part of the Creative Minds contribution to the event James and Elaine delivered a morning and afternoon Art Session to 30 participants with many more spectators walking around the table, chatting and watching the artists at work. The participants had a choice between British landscapes and flowers and the choice between using soft pastels or watercolour for their artwork.

Have a look at the wonderful artwork created…

Everyone who attended our sessions by the café thoroughly enjoyed themselves and were keen to attend Art Sessions in the local area. At present, we don’t currently deliver sessions to residents in the Richmond area but watch this space! In early 2017 we hope to be able to deliver regular sessions in the Richmond community with the help of local partners.

Displaying Artwork

07/16/2016

Displaying Artwork – How to effectively display artwork created by the residents or participants around your care home or venue…

“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” ~ Edgar Degas

From calming pastel paintings to vibrant acrylics residents create amazing artwork at Creative Minds sessions. But then what? The last thing anyone wants is for that wonderful expression of creativity to end up neglected in a corner.

Research shows that experiencing art decreases stress levels: visibility leads to value!

Both creating and subsequently displaying artwork offers many benefits:

Residents’ sense of pride at seeing their work on display
Raises residents’ self-esteem
Shows family and friends what activities residents have been doing
Can impress visitors to the home
Provides a positive talking point
Can provide a memory jog for the residents, back to the point of creating when there was a sense of relaxation, joyfulness and fun.

How to Display Artwork

There are plenty of options for displaying artwork. It helps to ensure its cohesive (e.g. similar pieces together). Do set a time-frame too – you don’t have to display everything at once – freshening up the space by regularly changing the artwork gives a new perspective and improved sensory experience.

Framing Artwork

Framing a piece of artwork totally elevates its status. Cheap frames are readily available, either from charity or discount shops (such as The Range or Ikea).

I have been working with one lady, in her 90s, who’s been telling me: “I can’t draw Sarah Jane, you do it for me.” Recently, she created a beautiful watercolour flower painting. I suggested we frame it – to say she was pleased with the result is an understatement! She’s since created a lovely oil pastel painting of a pheasant – again, the frame made it sing and she is absolutely thrilled with it. From someone who insisted they couldn’t draw (and believed it for over 90 years) to someone whose self-esteem has improved dramatically – achieved by just framing the work!

Wall Displays

The simplest way is to put the work up with blu-tak. Creating a paper or cardboard mount will also frame the work nicely. You could create a project, such as a garden theme, to cheer up a bare wall.

Display on Shelves or Cabinets

Sometimes space is at a premium so a row of pictures on a shelf can really brighten up a room. Also, using display cabinets, particularly for models, is an effective method. Small display easels are a fun idea for smaller pictures too and can easily be moved around.

Pinboards or Mobile Wall Displays

A large pinboard or mobile wall allows you to display work simply and can be refreshed regularly.

Portfolio case

Presenting some work in an A3 portfolio case is also a good option, especially by the entrance to show visitors on arrival.

Useable artwork

Items such as clay pots and coasters are a lovely way to create art that can also be used in the care home environment.

Other artwork

Other creations, such as fun mobiles, can be shown off using fishing line and hung up, and suncatchers look beautiful on a window.

Ideally, a combination of the above can really help make a home a vibrant, fun, stimulating environment. One fantastic example is the ‘Appleby Tate’. Appleby House Care Home in Epsom, Surrey held an open day where the Mayor and Mayoress of Epson and Ewell officially opened the ‘Appleby Tate’ gallery.

The ‘Appleby Tate’ is a stunning gallery space within the care home, which is used to display all the fantastic artwork created by the residents in the Art Sessions. The Appleby Tate gallery provides a therapeutic space within the care home where the residents can relax, admire and meet with their relatives and visitors. It also provides a talking point for residents, encourages a social atmosphere, creates a lovely environment for the residents to live and seeing their artwork on display gives them a real sense of achievement and, we believe, empowerment.

One last thing to remember…“It’s not our art, but our heart that’s on display.” ~ Gary Holland

Thanks for reading!

Blog post by Sarah Jane, CM Artist.

Hydon Hill get creative!

02/08/2015

James has been been visiting Hydon Hill, a Leonard Cheshire Care Home on the edge of Godalming for nearly 2 years now, and in that time they have created some fantastic artwork and sculptures together. The residents whom mostly have physical impairments and handicaps absolutely love and look forward to the Art Sessions delivered by James.

“We like to explore as many different mediums, materials and ideas as possible” says James, “At Hydon Hill I am very lucky to have some amazing staff like Robbie to help support me and the residents to create lovely art”. In the time that James has been visiting Hydon Hill they have created a lot of art in the Art Sessions and have completed some spectacular art projects. The most recent art projects completed at Hydon Hill have been some Halloween sculptures and a large Christmas Tree advent calendar.

Leonard Cheshire kindly posted an article about Hydon Hill and their creative efforts on the staff intranet for all to see! Take a look… ere it is….

“Its fantastic that the residents at Hydon Hill have been given some well deserved recognition” stated James. Well done to all residents and staff at Hydon Hill and James for this fantastic feature!

Thank you for reading.

Giant Flowers Project!

05/24/2014

Whilst starting various Easter Projects at the end of February including the Easter Bunnies I also decided to prepare for the Spring months by start Spring Projects with some of the care homes. I quickly decided with a couple of the care homes that I visit that we were going to make some giant flowers to see in Spring and Summer. The Art Projects were called The Giant Flowers Project and this has been one of my most ambitious ideas and Art Projects to date!

Below are some of the giant flowers made entirely out of cardboard!

* The picture in the top left is at the beginning of the project and features the petals of the daisy and the Rose made of rolled cardboard.

*In the top right is the tulip made from thin sheets of card bent and fixed into shape using masking tape and hot rubber glue.

*Bottom left is a picture taken during the Art Session where we had constructed the daffodil and daisy and started covering them with paper mache to make the structures more rigid.

*And Bottom right are some of the complete giant flower heads from both of the Giant Flowers Projects.

Once the flowers were covered in paper mache, dried solid and had been primed it was time to paint them in bright colours! Once they had been painted we covered them in a thin coat of gloss varnish to give them a nice shine and then they were ready to be fixed to the plastic coated bamboo stems that I had bought.

So here is me, the residents and staff with one of the finished Giant Flowers Project’s below consisting of a yellow Rose, blue Pansy, pink Tulip and a Daisy! 🙂

Here’s pictures of another completed Giant Flower Project at a care home in Guildford!

More projects to come, hope you enjoyed reading!

James.

Our feature in the Surrey Advertiser!

03/10/2014

We are proud to announce that Creative Minds has been featured in not 1 but 2 of the local Surrey Papers at the end of February!!

Here’s one of our features in the Surrey Advertiser with myself and two of the lovely elderly residents that I work with from Avery’s Silvermere Care Home! As you can see they’re holding their framed pastel landscapes that were produced in one of the Art Sessions held at Silvermere!

I had a long telephone interview with Fergus the Community News Editor at the Surrey Advertiser about my previous experiences, Creative Minds and working with the elderly and people with learning disabilities. I told Fergus… “The aim of the sessions is to provide exciting and engaging activities which are good for the health and well-being of the residents by stimulating their minds in a relaxed atmosphere with no pressure”.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE BELOW…

Here is another feature this time in the Elmbridge Guardian which talks more specifically about the Art Sessions at Silvermere in Cobham.

It says – “The art sessions allow residents to express themselves in a calm and engaging atmosphere and allows residents with dementia to reconnect with previous experiences and memories.”

READ THE FULL ARTICLE BELOW…

We were very excited to be featured in two of Surrey’s prominent newspapers and its some great initial publicity for Creative Minds. This is the first but it definitely wont be the last, more features and articles to come folks!

Thanks for reading!

James.