Care Home Open Day 2019

08/21/2019

Care Home Open Day is an annual event across the country and encourages care homes to open their doors and celebrate a different theme each year. The key values at its heart are friendship, making connections and celebrating older and vulnerable people. This year’s event fell on Friday 28^th June.

We were thrilled when we found out that the theme for this year’s Care Home Open Day was the Role of the Arts in Care. It couldn’t be a more fitting theme for Creative Minds! It was the perfect opportunity for many Care Homes to showcase the work created during Creative Minds Art Sessions, and on the day many CM Artists ran sessions in Care Home so that residents and visitors could have fun getting creative.

CM Artist Karen worked with residents at Kingsleigh Care Home in Woking to decorate these pretty flower pots for the garden. On the day, they were visited by school children, who sang and recited poems. They also celebrated the work that Karen has been doing in the home and awarded her with a card and bottle of bubbly at the end of the session to show their thanks!

CM Artist Sarah Jane created a striking sealife installation with residents at The Hyde in Bridgeport, using local Bridgeport net. They had great fun painting tropical fish and creating starfish.

CM Artist Hanna had a busy day at Bentley House in Hertford where she worked with residents to create these two stunning canvases which they proudly displayed alongside some smaller painted boards. All were delighted with the outcome of the session, and so proud to see their work on display!

Then on the run up to their open day, residents at Kew House in Wimbledon worked with CM Artist Kirsteen to create this vibrant, colourful sign. It was used on the open day to direct visitors to the home to their garden. It looked stunning hung up on the wall, and they had great fun working on this communal collage exploring a variety of different artistic mediums.

CM Artist Kim worked on a huge project with residents at Appleby House. On their open day they revealed a series of new garden sculptures titled “The Pillars of the Community.” Local groups and individuals were invited along to design a section of the pillar, exploring topics that were close to their heart. During their art sessions, the residents worked on each section of the pillars using clay. These pieces were later installed onto each of the pillars.

The unveiling took place on the open day, and all were delighted to see how the finished sculpture garden turned out. Many people came along to visit on the day including children from local primary and secondary schools, the Mayor of Epsom, NAPA, Care England, plus local paramedics and police! This had been a massive project for both residents at Appleby House, staff and CM Artist Kim and we are all incredibly proud at the outcome! Take a look…

Creative Minds at the Alzheimer’s Show 2019

07/15/2019

The Alzheimer’s Show is an annual event held at London Olympia and is the UK’s leading event for dementia help, advice and information. The show is attended by family carers, healthcare professionals and members of the public who want to learn more.

We exhibited at this year’s event on June 7th & 8th and ran a number of art sessions for attendees to come along and get involved. Participants had the opportunity to create drawings using soft pastels and have a go at print making using cardboard blocks. There was also a giant communal canvas, which people could come and add their own mark to. It was a great opportunity for people to come explore their own creativity whilst finding out more about what we do, and the benefits that our art sessions have on those in care or living with dementia.

Attendees really got stuck in, and the gentleman pictured (with the daisy drawing) had never worked in pastels before in his life! After being diagnosed with early onset dementia, he attended the show with his daughter. He said he’d been advised to try some creative activity as it would be beneficial to him, so he bought a book on art but found it too much information. He also bought an adult colouring book, but never used it. Then when he attended the show, and visited our stand he plucked up the courage to attend our art session – he went on to produce this beautiful daisy drawing! Every participant at the session couldn’t believe he had never drawn before and all wanted a photo of him with his artwork. He was so proud and emotional by the end of the session.

CM Artists really enjoyed attending the Alzheimer’s Show too. CM Artist Laura commented; “What an amazing experience! Getting to meet so many caring people all wanting to help others, it was just so humbling. The response was brilliant, one lady said to me it was the best part of her day! The soft pastels went down a storm with lots of great work. Everyone was so pleased with their efforts. It was a very rewarding session!”.

Many industry professionals visited our stand during the day, and one of the tutors from the Reigate School of Art commented that our art sessions gave them loads more ideas and inspiration on how they can do more work to engage the local community.

We are also delighted to announce that following the Alzheimer’s Show, we have formed a partnership with a wonderful organisation, MindForYou, who run holidays for people living with dementia to enjoy with their nearest and dearest. Holiday goers will be able to enjoy fun, relaxing and therapeutic art sessions during their UK breaks, ran by our specially trained artists!

‘The Museum of Things That Don’t Stand Still’ – Creative Minds at the Tate Exchange

06/25/2019

We were sad to see the end of our 3-day project at the Tate Exchange which ran 15^th – 17^th May in collaboration with MA students from the University of Westminster. The project was themed around “movement” in response to the current exhibition at The Tate Modern by Jenny Holzer. This has inspired the project to explore ideas surrounding migration, flight and reflect on the way in which we all move through life. The project brought together a diverse range of people, young and old to explore their creativity and add their own piece of art to our interactive installation “The Museum of Things That Don’t Stand Still.”

In the run up to the event at the Tate Exchange, the students joined a number of our artists for their sessions, and created pieces of work as a starting point for the installation. Delicate origami birds were created during these sessions, plus piles of pretty hand-crafted flowers. We gained access to the venue at the beginning of the week, and all hands were on deck. CM Artists worked hard with the students, and the installation began to take shape ready for the project to open to the public on Wednesday the 15^th May.

A number of our clients joined us for the event, and people visiting the gallery dropped in to take part. They had the option to create feathers to add to our giant wings, Percy the peacock, or flowers and leaves to add to a walk-through passage.

Alternatively people could come and create their own pair of super-powered shoes. Imaginations ran wild as people had fun deciding on ways in which they could power them up!

Participant Derek Kingsleigh said: “It’s an incredible place with all the our flowers and leaves we made. You did so much with the space. I’m not just impressed I’m very very impressed.”

Christine, aged 102 really got stuck in and left the session saying: “Amazing, I’ve had a wonderful time. I’ll come again!”

By the close of the event at the Tate Exchange, you could walk down a colourful passage beautifully decorated with flowers and birds. Percy the grand peacock stood proud and tall with beautifully decorated feathers in his train. Our open wings sculpture looked vibrant, with all the pretty feathers participants added to it. The finished display of super-powered shoes looked remarkable, and included shoes that allowed you to explore the galaxy, bring light into people’s lives, shoes that spread happiness and shoes which meant they could live that day again at the Tate!

We loved each individual’s unique and imaginative take on the themes.

Our artists thoroughly enjoyed themselves too…

“It was so wonderful to see people connecting while making. People who’d never met before from all over the world! It gave them a space to play, contemplate and be in the moment.” Sarah Jane

“This was another example of how art elevates humanity. I got a huge satisfaction from seeing participants so profoundly happy to be creating art in such an amazing setting.” Hanna

What a thoroughly uplifting experience, which brought together people from all walks of life to enjoy the benefits that communal creative activities can bring.

At the end of the day CM Community Manager Sarah, who has been project managing the event, received this heart-warming feedback from one attendees: “I was so deeply moved by today’s event. Combining creativity, art, imagination and giving to others. It was extraordinary! You should feel extremely good and at peace in your heart.”

Franchise for Sale – North London & Hertforshire

05/29/2019

Are you passionate about art and working with vulnerable people? Are you looking for a career change or something that’s flexible around family life? If the answer is YES! Then becoming a Creative Minds Artist could be the perfect opportunity for you!

Creative Minds is a social enterprise and community of over 40 artists who deliver fun and therapeutic art sessions to people of all ages in venues across the country. As a Creative Minds Artist you can manage your own time and deliver art sessions around your other commitments, making this an ideal lifestyle business.

After 3 years building a successful Creative Minds franchise in Enfield, North London, CM Artist Hanna is relocating and with regret she has had to put her business up for sale! She has 9 regular clients, operates her business on a part-time basis and generates £1,500+ in income per month.

The clients are based in the following locations: Enfield, Knebworth, Ware and Hertford, therefore the interested buyer would likely have one of three franchise territories to choose from in North London or Hertfordshire based on their location.

This is a fantastic opportunity for any local artist to start earning from day one, inheriting all of Hanna’s clients and making a very quick ROI (Return on Investment)!

If this opportunity is of interest to you please complete a Franchise Application via our franchise page: http://159.65.94.31/franchise/

We look forward to hearing from you!

Magnificent murals are becoming a huge hit!

05/29/2019

Murals are becoming a popular commission for many CM Artists, proving to be a huge hit with residents, staff, families and friends. Here are some of the murals that have been completed by CM Artists across the country…

On a warm summers night last year, whilst residents at Tilsley House in Weston-Super-Mare slept, CM Artist Susannah quietly set up her equipment and painted this lovely tree on the living room wall – much to everyone’s surprise the next day! Since then, during her regular art sessions, the residents work on different woodland creations to add to the scene. It has become a seasonal project, and an interactive area for residents to display artwork created in their sessions.

Last summer residents created tropical birds, flowers and butterflies to decorate the tree.

As summer drew to an end, residents enjoyed creating red and golden leaves, squirrels and an owl to give the tree a lovely warm autumnal feel.

On the run up to Christmas, Susannah created this cute fawn as an addition to the display. Stars, robins and festive lanterns were added to give it a wintery feel.

During recent weeks the display has taken on a fresh new springtime look, with pretty cherry blossom, tulips and bunnies.

Zoe, Manager at Tilsley House says; “This really brightens up the lounge and residents love admiring each other’s creations. They love the personal touch of seeing their own artwork on display, and enjoy identifying the seasonal elements of the mural.”

Meanwhile, down in Sussex, CM Artist Sarah, brought together residents and staff at Saxonwood Care Home in Battle. Along with the help of some little ones, all worked together to create this striking mural of the Severn Sisters – one of Britain’s most iconic sea-views. It was great to have such a mix of people getting involved and each adding their own stamp to this beautiful piece. Resident Derrick, a talented artist himself, oversaw the whole piece, and added some finishing touches at the end. Staff and residents are absolutely thrilled with the end result, which has really brightened up the corridor.

Roxy, Deputy Manager said, “This was such a wonderful project that involved so many people. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed working on it. It is lovely to see so many residents admiring and interacting with the finished piece. In fact, the project was such a success that we are already in talks about creating more murals around the home. We love the idea of creating a ‘Nightime Promenade’ scene next!”

CM Artist Karen recently completed a ‘Pet Corner’ mural at Kingsleigh Care Home in Woking. The home has a number of pets, and the residents loved the idea of seeing some of the animals on the wall. So Karen created this beautiful mural in response, and the residents were overjoyed!

Manager Kelly says, “The residents are delighted with the new mural! It really brightens up the area, and they love chatting about it. They were thrilled to see their suggestions come to life and were so excited to see the finished piece! Karen is just incredible – she adapts to any requests the residents have and they all absolutely love her!”

CM Artist Tracey, based in Yorkshire has created a “Wishing Tree Mural” at Beech Hall in Armley, Leeds. Again residents decorate the tree according to the seasons and Tracey spent time recording everyone’s wishes, which are printed, decorated and added to the wall. The residents love this personal element and see it as a symbol of hope and positivity. In fact the mural has been so popular that the home requested Tracey to create a second one upstairs on the first floor. This was recently completed and is part of an indoor garden, which will include various interactive features for all to engage with. We can’t wait to see how this murals commission develops this year!

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!

A Day in the life of a Creative Minds Artist: Sarah Bryant

04/16/2019

How long have you been a Creative Minds Artist?
Just over three and a half years. I started in October 2015, and have renewed my franchise for another 3 years.

Tell us what you have been up to today?
I like to start early so by 7:45am I was enjoying a coffee, listening to Classic FM in my PJs whist beginning my prep work for today’s art sessions. I had two floral-themed sessions planned, so cut out templates, created a prototype and prepared some musical playlists to take along to the sessions. This took around an hour. I then got myself dressed and ready to leave the house by around 10:15am. I’m lucky because all of the Care Homes where I am based are all close to where I live.

I arrived at St Dominics Care Home in St Leonards-On-Sea and started the session around 10:30am. I worked with eight residents to create their own tulip collages. I got them to paint the flowers using watercolours, demonstrating different techniques for them to try. We then mounted the tulips onto card adding the vases to create a collage. I love engaging with the residents and chatting about memories that may stem from the theme of the sessions. There’s often lots and fun and laughter.

The session finished around 12pm, and all were thrilled with their work. I drove home for lunch and an hour of downtime before I headed out for the afternoon.

I arrived at Whitebeach Care Home in St Leonards-On-Sea around 1:30pm. The home had booked an extended session with me, as work was being carried out on the building. A group of residents worked on a collaborative “funky flower’ wall display. They all enjoyed painting the backdrop using acrylics, then each created their own 3D flower out of paper plates. The music I prepared was playing in the background, and it was all very upbeat and fun. Once the completed piece was up on the wall, one lady who took part came and hugged me with a tear in her eye. She was so thrilled with the outcome. It’s moments like this that make me really love my job!

It is great when homes display the artwork that the residents create. Not only does it brighten the surroundings, but relatives and visitors always appreciate seeing their creations when they come to visit.

I arrived home by around 4:30pm to finish my working day, and grabbed myself a cuppa whilst popping onto the Creative Minds Community Facebook group to share a few pics from the day. The support from the artists is incredible, and it is a great resource to tap into for ideas and advice.

What would a typical week look like to you?
I’d normally run on average around five-six sessions per week. Sometimes weeks are busier but that is around how many sessions I’d aim for.

How many hours do you normally work in a week?
Including prep time, around 23-24 hours per week.

Where do you get inspiration from on how to carry out your art sessions?
Previous artwork that I’ve created, other artists, exhibitions I have visited, the fact that I live by the sea! I can base my sessions around nature, seasons or topical themes. Anything that is happening in the wider world. I also tailor themes of sessions to client’s interests and hobbies. I tap into the Creative Minds Community who share great ideas with each other. I also like to work with recycled/up-cycled materials.

What first attracted you to the Creative Minds franchise opportunity?
The opportunity to run my own business with full support. I wanted to be able to get creative again with a care group that I am passionate about having lost both of my parents to dementia.

I was also attracted to the opportunity to be able to work flexibly, and work hours that would fit in better with family life. I wanted to be around for my daughter more and being a Creative Minds Artist offered a working solution that would let me choose the hours I wish to work.

What do you like best about being a Creative Minds Artist?
The job satisfaction I gain.
I love to see the reactions from clients and pride at what they can achieve. It’s so rewarding to see how pleased they are to see me when I arrive. This type of feedback is the best motivation anyone could ask for. Knowing I’m making a difference to people’s days.

Read ‘A Day in the Life of Creative Minds Artist: Laura Novak’ here: http://159.65.94.31/creative-minds-artist-laura-novak/

The Opening of the Art Studio at Appleby House!

02/18/2019

Our CM Artist Kim is now officially an ‘Artist-in-Residence’ at Appleby House Care Home in Epsom, Surrey. The opening of the Art Studio at the home means that residents can drop in and explore their creativity at any time. Kim offers a variety of different artistic materials including acrylics, watercolours, pastels, drawing and inks for residents to enjoy, in a fun and relaxed environment. They even now have a potter’s wheel, where they have been creating some beautiful ceramics.

The studio has been a huge hit with both staff and residents, and was officially opened back in December by the Mayor and Mayoress of Epsom & Ewell.

The work they produce in the studio goes on display in their in-house Gallery the “Appleby Tate” for all to enjoy. Kim has also secured the residents an exhibition at Bourne Hall in Epsom, which will be open to the public later this year. Residents are all working on their own unique pieces of art for this exciting show, which they are all looking forward to.

Kim’s art sessions have had a remarkable impact on one particular resident, Judy. She lives with advanced dementia and for years has struggled with communication. As soon as she steps into the Art Studio, she becomes focused, and confidently talks about the colours and textures in her work. Judy is so happy to see Kim each week and looks forward to her art sessions. Before moving to Appleby House, she had never given art or craft a go!

The staff couldn’t believe the effect it has had on her. The work she has created is so vibrant and expressive. Look at her latest piece!…

CM Artist Kim says; “Art brings her clarity…it’s like she goes into a different place when she’s painting.” Kim couldn’t be more proud to see what Judy has achieved, as well as so many other residents at Appleby House!

Residents, staff, families and friends are all thrilled with the impact that the Art Studio is having on the home. Each week visitors enjoy seeing the latest work that the residents have created.

Kim says; “Each time I am here I am filled with joy and ideas of what we can do. The potential is so vast. I love them all!”

Photo credit: Care UK

Creative Minds Artists Attend Community Meeting 2018!

11/20/2018

On a beautiful autumnal morning Creative Minds Artists (CM Artists) traveled from across the UK, to come together for our biannual Community Meeting. These meetings are an opportunity for CM Artists to network, share ideas, gain valuable business advice and receive news and updates from the Head Office.

Upon arrival, each artist received a little card with the name of one of the world’s most famous artists on (which they could not reveal). Creative Minds Artists then had to ask each other questions, to try and guess which of the old master’s names they had on their card. This fun game got everyone talking and appreciating how the iconic figures of the art world have inspired many of their own art sessions.

A friendly networking session with refreshments followed, with loads of ideas being shared. Our CM artists regularly communicate with each other via our online forums but don’t often get the chance to chat face-to-face. This was a wonderful opportunity for everyone to enjoy a cup of tea and have a good catch up.

Following this, our CM Artists Jess and Ali delivered a short arts and dementia training session. This included a hands-on workshop, sensitively encouraging everyone to explore ways in which those living with dementia respond to different themes and objects, which evoke emotions and memories.

The artists were then set a 20-minute challenge to each create their own work of art in response to this training. Following this all of the work was hung around the room so that everyone could view and discuss each other’s own unique and beautiful take on the challenge.

Everyone then enjoyed a tasty buffet lunch, followed by tea and cake, whilst reflecting on the insight they had gained from the morning’s session.

Following lunch, Creative Minds Founder and Director James Cropper, delivered news and updates on future plans for Creative Minds, and shared a selection of fresh new business building tools. This lead to an open discussion on the opportunities they have as CM Artists to expand into further fields.

Community Development Manager Sarah Fenner, then shared kind and inspiring words, giving advice and ideas on how to overcome the challenges some of the artists may face. She then encouraged everyone to stop for five minutes, and take a break for a little self-care. All CM Artists were handed clay and took a wander outdoors, for a moment of mindfulness and reflection in the warm autumn sunshine.

This was a lovely way to end the day as everyone considered all that had been discussed, and how it can be applied to their business as Creative Minds Artists. At the end everyone came together for a group photo, before saying good-byes, then each artist began their journey home.

It was a wonderful day, bringing together such a passionate community of artists, and hearing their moving stories about how their work is touching people’s lives. We’re so proud of the work that they do, and we look forward to getting together again for our next community meeting in spring 2019!

Thanks for reading.

Our first ‘Art Trip!’

06/27/2017

Sarah F, Our Creative Minds (CM) Artist based in Woking organised a very successful art trip recently with one of her clients to the Lightbox Gallery in Woking. Sarah chose the Lightbox because it is a wonderful setting and very accessible for all with a fabulous selection of exhibitions throughout the year. The residents Edna, John, and Betty from Grey’s Residential home, along with their Carer Sophie had a superb afternoon and can’t wait to do it again!

The trip began with a visit to the Ingram Collection. Here the wide variety of works on display had something for everyone, and each resident had their own personal favourite piece. Discussion about realism, surrealism and abstraction was sparked, and Edna was particularly drawn to the abstract. She fell in love with this fantastic piece by William Gear (pictured below).

Edna commented on the experience: “Marvelous! What a wonderful afternoon and seeing this marvelous art, I hope we can come again.”

Betty’s favourite piece was ‘On the Table’ of the Ingram Collection. She also enjoyed the Ruth Borchard portrait collection, and liked how the individual artists portrayed themselves – their dark sides, and sadness – in their works.

For many of the residents, this was a new opportunity and ultimately a unique chance to experience art in a different way. Our art sessions aspire to encourage active participation and help clients to create beautiful work. This trip fostered a different kind of involvement in art – one of observation, thoughtfulness, reflection, and discussion. We are delighted to have discovered a new way for residents to enjoy art, and we aim to take the residents of Greys Residential Home on another art trip in the near future and encourage other CM Artists to organise similar art trips for their clients.

John also enjoyed the experience; he found that it brought back some happy personal memories. Though he previously preferred to watch his loved one draw, during the two years that Sarah has been delivering art sessions with Grey’s she has seen John experiment with every medium and shy away from nothing. One of his beautiful charcoal studies is now a permanent fixture on the lounge wall. At the Lightbox, Sarah and John were both intrigued by the variety of work created by Sidney Sime, and John was particularly taken with a painting of London taxis (pictured below).

CM artist Sarah said: “It was such a joy and privilege to bring about and organise this trip as an alternative art session, watching these wonderful folks absorbing the art on display, the intrigue, the questions, the pleasure.” The trip was a great afternoon, topped off by tea and cake in the café to end the day.

We hope that this is the beginning of many more art trips for care homes organised by CM Artists across the country. Art trips are yet another way for us to enhance our service and to ensure that art is truly accessible to everyone.

Thank you for reading.