A message from Creative Minds re’ Coronavirus & Art Activity Boxes

03/19/2020

Dear clients,

As the coronavirus situation escalates we want to reassure you of our full support and understanding during this difficult and concerning time. As many of you are aware, immediate steps have been taken by our clients, especially the care sector to restrict visitors in order to protect the most vulnerable people in our society. These measures are absolutely necessary to ensure the protection and safety of our vulnerable population across the country.

However in times of restriction and isolation the importance of activities and stimulation becomes ever more apparent. Their importance to peoples health and wellbeing cannot be understated, whether it’s music, arts & crafts, poetry, sowing, other crafts or forms of entertainment.

In light of the restrictive measures implemented across the country, in particular in the care sector we as a community of artists have been working hard to develop ‘Art Activity Boxes’.

Our Art Activity Boxes contain accessible pre-planned sessions with all the art mediums, materials and equipment required, which can be delivered straight to your doorstep.

The Art Activity Boxes are priced at £35 each (based on one session plan) and can be delivered on a monthly/weekly basis.

Example Art Activity Box by Judy & Caroline, CM Artists based in Salisbury

To find out more and enquire please click below…

Art Activity Boxes

*Please be aware that this is dependent on where our artists are located and we may not be able to deliver to you if you are too far away*

Thank you for your support and we wish all of our clients the very best. We’ll get through this together!

Creative Minds.

Alison’s Creative Meet Up!

11/19/2019

CM Artist Alison, based in Warwickshire has been delivering art sessions to The Ashton Care Home in Hinkley and Aldersgate Retirement Flats in Nuneaton for over two years.

Since delivering sessions there, Alison encouraged The Ashton residents Dot, aged 97 and Cedric who has MS, to get back into their creative practice. Staff and residents have been amazed at the beauty of the work that they are now producing.

Alison has also been blown away by the work of 96 year old Cecily, a resident at Aldersgate Retirement Flats. Cecily had a creative history and has been painting since the 1930s. She now produces stunning watercolour landscape paintings in Alison’s art sessions.

Alison and Janice, the Activity Coordinator at The Ashton decided it would be a lovely idea to organise a get-together with the residents from both settings. This would give them the opportunity to meet and share their passion for art while admiring each others work. So, on the 17^th October, Alison organised a mini exhibition of Dot and Cedric’s work at The Ashton. She brought Cecily over from Nuneaton to enjoy a spot of lunch with fellow artists whilst viewing their work.

“It was wonderful to listen to them share stories, and admire each others work. After lunch we visited Dot & Cedric’s bedrooms to enjoy some more of their artworks. It made for a lovely social occasion they shared ideas and techniques whilst we all chatted about our love for art!” – Alison.

Afterwards Dot said “I like meeting new people, especially people who share interests, so it was great to chat about our artwork.”

Cecily commented; “I thoroughly enjoyed the meet up. Dot and Cedric were so enthusiastic. I would be lovely to go and meet them again to discuss our latest paintings.”

Janice, the Activity Coordinator from The Ashton said: “After the meet up, the residents said how fabulous it was! It was a real clicking of minds and wonderful that Dot and Cedric got to meet others with the same interests and passions.”

The residents are all keen to meet up again, and have formed a lovely friendship, so Alison is looking to arrange another get together soon so that they can admire each other’s latest masterpieces.

A Day in the Life of Creative Minds Artist: Sarah Jane

11/04/2019

How long have you been a Creative Minds Artist?

I joined in February 2016, so approaching 4 years.

Tell us what you’ve been up to today.

Today has been really varied: this morning I delivered a session for the lovely MindforYou supported holidays (for people living with dementia and their relatives/carers), in Corfe Castle, East Dorset.

This afternoon I was at one of my regular homes near Dorchester, then did my third session of the day with two young chaps, in a local, supported living home.

In their art session they choose the music too, which can vary from Johnny Cash to Pink Floyd! Sometimes we theme it to the session: we painted peacocks, so the music was The Byrds!

What would a typical week look like to you?

I deliver 6 or 7 sessions a week, normally leaving the house about 9.45am – this gives me time to walk our dog by the river (invaluable contemplation time!).

I tend to stay local or travel West, towards Lyme Regis, on a Tuesday, then East (Dorchester, Weymouth) on Wednesdays and Thursdays. But there really isn’t a typical week, each one is different, which I love! I probably spend about half a day a week on admin – planning sessions, invoicing, sourcing supplies etc.

Organising my sessions like this also gives me at least one day a week to work in my studio on my own practice.

Tell us a little about your own personal creative practice as an artist.

I’m a mixed media artist and just taken part in our local, Bridport, Open Studios event, with a friend. My conservatory is transformed into a gallery space and the public can peek inside my garden studio! We had over 120 visitors and I sold quite a few pieces of work including mixed media, printmaking and jewellery.

My abstract work is playful and humorous, bold and experimental. Bright colours, industrial lines and texture are at the core of my sculptural and mixed media work. The nearby Jurassic coastline heavily influences my work.

What first attracted you to the franchise opportunity?

The flexibility and being able to use art in a fun, therapeutic way. Being able to manage my own diary – I’ve been self-employed for years now and enjoy the autonomy, but relish the fantastic support and community you gain as a Creative Minds Artist.

What do you like most about being a Creative Minds Artist?

The moment when folks smile at seeing their finished work! All the lovely feedback, that it’s “relaxing”, “takes me out of myself”, “I didn’t realize I could paint!” It really can change people in a positive way. I often say, even if I won the lottery, I’d still want to deliver the art sessions!

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

Creative Minds celebrates Arts in Care Homes Day!

10/01/2019

On Tuesday 24^th September we welcomed the first ever National Arts in Care Homes Day. We were thrilled to see the value of the Arts in Care being recognised across the country and many organisations got involved to celebrate. CM Artists ran sessions in care homes to mark the occasion, and for us, it was the perfect opportunity to demonstrate the amazing work our artists do in care settings across the country, empowering people through their sessions and spreading joy through creativity.

On the day, residents at Ardath Care Home in Bexhill (Sussex Housing) had fun with CM Artist Sarah working in wool to create bright and colourful Mexican-style wall hangings.

Up in Birmingham residents at Wilson Lodge had a messy but fabulous morning using printing inks with wooden blocks with CM Artist Deborah.

In High Wycombe, residents at Catherine Court Care Home had a relaxing morning with CM Artist Karen, creating aboriginal-style autumn leaves.

In Weston-super-Mare residents at Park House Residential Home created cocktails to decorate the home’s golden drinks cabinet with CM Artist Susannah.

Over in Derby, residents at The Laurels Nursing Home laughed and sang as they worked together to create a striking communal sunflower collage. It looks wonderful on display!

Sigita, the Manager at Ardath Care Home told us how she feels the art sessions are benefitting the residents at the home:

“The residents get so much from their art sessions – especially those living with dementia. Often relatives join in the sessions, as it gives them the chance to spend some quality time with loved ones. The social aspect really benefits the residents with lots of conversations, stories shared, plus fun and laughter.

“Many residents have never even painted before, but Sarah encourages them to give it a go, and not be too concerned with the outcome. They are always surprised and proud of what they have accomplished. We have one resident who is now blind, but Sarah kindly encouraged her to take part in a recent session and guided her along the way. She produced a truly beautiful painting and was delighted with what she had achieved!”

“The art sessions really lift the resident’s spirits and they look forward to them every week.”

To find out more about the Arts in Care Homes Day visit:
https://artsincarehomes.org.uk/

Residents at The Millings excel with CM Artist Lily!

08/21/2019

Lily, CM Artist based in North Yorkshire has been delivering regular art sessions at The Millings Care Home in Bedale. Some of the residents have been displaying remarkable talent since getting involved in Lily’s sessions and the Managers of the home are thrilled with what they have achieved.

During the 1970’s and 80’s, resident Ivy used to be an avid painter, and enjoyed painting ceramic plates. Unfortunately personal circumstances prevented her from continuing her passion and she hadn’t picked up a paintbrush since. A year ago she moved to The Millings, and jumped at the chance to join Lily’s art sessions, and was surprised to discover that she could still paint!

When Ivy attends the sessions she becomes really absorbed in her work; it gives her great pleasure and a huge sense of pride, and Lily has been thrilled to see how much her confidence has grown. Lily says; “Ivy is a delicate Yorkshire woman and is always so happy to learn new techniques. It has been a pleasure working with her and getting to know her.”

On 28^th June Ivy made local press and was featured in the Darlington and Stockton Times for all she has achieved since getting back into her creative activity.

Eric another resident has shown incredible talent since Lily encouraged him to start painting. Eric says “It’s never too late to start a new hobby” and at nearly 94, he painted his first watercolour painting in a session with Lily. He enjoyed sketching as a young man and during his school years, so was thrilled at how his painting turned out. He’s been creating beautiful watercolour paintings ever since!

Back in springtime, Lily decided to work with residents and managers from The Millings along with a selection of local schools and nurseries to put together a community art exhibition at the home. Residents got to showcase the beautiful artwork created during their Creative Minds Art Sessions. Then children from local pre-schools, infant, primary and secondary schools all created their own work for the exhibition to the theme of sunflowers and rainbows.

The exhibition opened on the 12^th July, and the home was decorated in beautiful artwork running all the way from the front door through to the back of the house. There was an excellent turn-out on the day and the event brought together people of all ages to come and enjoy the results of their creative efforts whilst enjoying a glass of Prosecco with the residents.

Sandy, the Activity Coordinator at The Millings said; “Our residents have really excelled with Lily from Creative Minds. She really motivates, stimulates and enthuses our residents!”

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…

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!

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!