Artwork by adults and young people who have a learning or physical disability is the latest to be showcased in Earl Mountbatten Hospice’s very own art gallery.
From Thursday 7th July, the Way Forward Programme, which also supports people on the autistic spectrum and people with mental health conditions, will be displaying work created during their arts programme.
Lee White, Manager of the Way Forward Programme, said:
“Many of those who attend the group are really talented artists. However, for one reason or another they can’t go to college, or to university; they can’t cope with big social groups. So they come here and we try and help them to produce the art work. We then try and find places to display it, so that we can help them to get their names and their art out there”.
The difference for some who attend the classes is immense, says Lee:
“Some people come here that don’t speak, and don’t have conversations; they are too scared of the world, really. Many of them are on the autistic spectrum. They come to the art group and they feel safe, they know they will be well looked after and they are with like-minded people. You can see a real difference within a few months, and the group is fantastic for them”.
Those attending the group have created a range of paintings which are their own interpretations of modern art, with an emphasis on pop art. The paintings will be on display in the Hospice art gallery, which is located in the main Admin Block, and available to view and purchase throughout July.
An additional art gallery is being created in the Hospice’s new community venue, the John Cheverton Centre, for a Walk the Wight photo exhibition (Friday 8th July to Thursday 14th July) and for the Open Studios exhibition (Friday 15th to Monday 25th July 2016).
Exhibitions change monthly and are open every day between 09:00 and 17:00. Any sales provide valuable income through a commission which goes directly towards supporting patient and family care. If you are an artist interested in exhibiting, you can find out more information and download a booking form from www.iwhospice.org.
