Isle of Wight care home residents paid a special visit to Independent Arts’ Creative Hub to see artwork created by care homes from across the Island.
The exhibition, on Newport High Street, brings together a wide range of creative work developed through Workshops for Wellbeing, delivered by Independent Arts artist practitioners Debbie Way, Lou Elliott, and Kirstie Hayler.
Open for the final time today (Wednesday), the display highlights the artistic achievements of residents and service users from 12 care, residential, and supported living homes across the Island.
The collection features an impressive variety of techniques and materials, including collage, printing, natural and recycled materials, wire portraits, drawing, weaving, and clay work.
Residents from Old Charlton House in Cowes took part in workshops, creating a series of fish sculptures and expressive wire faces.
The sessions were described as lively and laughter-filled, with residents enjoying the creative freedom – even when the finished faces bore little resemblance to the people they were meant to portray!
The art sessions were designed to be fully accessible, with residents’ families encouraged to join in.
Brenda, a resident at Old Charlton House, said: “It was a lovely morning, and I enjoyed looking at all the things.
“The pond was my favourite; I wanted to bring it back with me!”
Another resident, Annie, added: “What a wonderful time we had looking at the artwork, everyone is so talented.”
Activities coordinator Debbie Webb said the visit had been both enjoyable and inspiring.
“We had a wonderful morning admiring our work and those of others,” she said.
“It is a very inspirational display and has given us lots of ideas for the future. If you get the chance to visit, I recommend it.
Nicola Ward, from Independent Arts, said she was delighted to welcome the group to the Creative Hub.
She said: “It was a real pleasure to welcome talented artists from Old Charlton House to the Creative Hub, who came to view their own work alongside a striking exhibition showcasing artwork created by residents and service users from 12 care homes.
“We would like to thank all participating homes, residents and service users, and staff for sharing their powerful and evocative artwork.”
“It is a pleasure to bring this outstanding collection of work to the public eye for all to enjoy.”
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