The artistic talents of volunteers, service users and patients are being celebrated as Earl Mountbatten Hospice takes part in this year’s Open Studios programme (Friday 15th – Monday 25th July).
The artwork will be on display in the Hospice’s John Cheverton Centre, the Island’s new community venue where anyone can meet friends for lunch in the Sunflower Café, view artwork in the all year round gallery, or enjoy regular concerts to suit all musical tastes.
Among the artists taking part in the Open Studios showcase is Jean Wheeldon, from Carisbrooke, who came across the Hospice’s art room on a visit.
Jean only took up painting about a year ago, having been told she had little talent for the subject at school. Jean recalled:
“I was just so appalling at it, so I wasn’t allowed to take art”.
However, since finding the Hospice’s art group, painting has become a huge part of her life and fills much of her house. Jean admits:
“It’s a problem to find room to sit down at home!”
Jean’s work is mostly in acrylics and she concentrates on portraits: “It feels like you’re getting to know the person,” she said. One of Jean’s paintings of a puffin is used as the Hospice entry in the Open Studios brochure.
Kate Mansbridge is the Hospice’s Community Artist who is coordinating this year’s exhibition, the fourth time the hospice has been involved in Open Studios. Kate said:
“As a community artist, I provide a range of creative arts experiences for a broad selection. Sometimes, people are afraid to come to the hospice because of what it represents, but they quickly forget that through the art making and they enjoy the community, the fun and the opportunities that it brings.
“People don’t expect to have such opportunities when they are coming to the end of life but then they discover that they can do a lot more than they have ever even dreamt about!”
Artwork will be on display in the John Cheverton Centre throughout the Open Studios event (15th to 25th July) and between 11:00 and 14:30 on Sunday 17th and Sunday 24th July, visitors can also meet some of the artists.
Featured photo: Pam Vaughan
