We were thrilled to host our first ever art exhibition at St Austell Library to display the work created by residents.
The exhibition was launched at the library on Tuesday 12 October, attended by St Austell Mayor Richard Pears, local councillors, members of the public, and our residents.
We’re proud to provide a tailored support package to enable our beneficiaries to increase their independence and work towards independent living.
A key part of this support package is holistic activities to promote wellbeing, including art group held on Wednesday afternoons.
Residents are encouraged to develop their creative talents and express themselves through different mediums, supported by art teacher Lynn Simms. The pieces displayed in the exhibition were from a recent project around the theme of ‘identity’.
Lynn said: “We started this project by looking at works by Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein who used images from the popular culture of their time to create art. They got their ideas from advertising, comic books, and mass produced objects.
“We used acrylic paints on paper and canvas to develop our ideas. Although we started with images of faces we interpreted and expressed the theme individually and selected our own source materials.
“We made a large collaborative painting which gave everyone the chance to express themselves while working together. This is the most exciting piece. Everyone’s story is entwined to create vibrant complex and intriguing narrative. A collective portrait.”
Tom Pritchard is the activities and volunteering coordinator at Harbour Housing and was responsible for organising the event. He explains the benefits of having a regular art group for residents to participate in.
“Art group is a great way for clients to express their emotions through different mediums, as well as being a safe and non-judgmental space for residents to come and engage with the enrichment team.”
A report from the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Arts, Health and Wellbeing revealed that there are over 49,000 amateur arts groups in England, all helping to increase resilience and wellbeing as well as alleviating anxiety, depression, and stress.
It states, “the arts can make an invaluable contribution to a healthy and health-creating society. They offer a potential resource that should be embraced in health and social care systems.”
We’re always recruiting more volunteers to join our enrichment team, so if you would like to join our Wednesday art group then please get in touch!
19th May
Last year, Tim Styles, cycled from Land’s End to John o’ Groats unsupported in under five days. Next month, he is going one better: Land’s End to John o’ Groats AND back down to Land's End!
6th April
Over the last few months at Harbour, we have been putting together and distributing warm packs to help people on low income reduce their energy bills.
16th March
Harbour's trainee clinical psychologist placement student has started peer supervision sessions with Harbour staff.
14th March
Read about the EVA Recovery Programme supporting survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence at Harbour.
29th September
Harbour have received funding from Sport England after a successful application to their Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Activity Fund.
12th August
On 1st August, Harbour Housing ran a sexual health awareness day with representatives from the Eddystone Trust, Brook Cornwall, and the Hepatitis C Trust all in attendance.
