Crystal Gateway exhibition at Himley Hall
An exhibition of artwork created by people living with dementia and their carers is being held at Himley Hall next week.
The exhibition on Monday 13 May shows how the creation of art can be a therapeutic process both for people living with dementia and their families.
Participants attend the Crystal Gateway once a week where materials are provided for them to take part at any level. Some users paint with brushers, others use sponges if they are less dexterous. The aim of the group is to empower and encourage people living with dementia and their carers to create, enjoy, interact and communicate.
Painting together encourages socialisation, improves fine motor skills and better mental health for everyone. For users it’s a chance to express themselves through art and just enjoy the process. For carers it’s a way to relax, share their experiences with other carers and get some time to themselves.
Subjects include flowers, animals, landscapes, local scenes, portraits and abstracts.
The Crystal Gateway is a dementia centre which provides paid for activity sessions for people with dementia. These day sessions can be accessed through a social care assessment. They can include daytime respite sessions, as well as beneficial activity sessions both in the dementia centre, or alternatively in a person’s home. The art group is one of the weekly open sessions provided by the Crystal Gateway where people who aren’t assessed for formal services can join and share their love of art.
Matt Bowsher, Director of Adult Social Care, said:
“The group has created an opportunity for people of all artistic abilities within the dementia community to enjoy, create and communicate though art.
“Members of the group, supported by the team at The Crystal Gateway have worked together to build a welcoming and happy space for Dementia Art, which has proved to be a valued and creative experience for everyone involved.”
The exhibition is part of the authority’s activity in support of National Dementia Awareness Week. It is delivering a host of activities at a range of locations including the Crystal Gateway, Himley Hall, Parkfield Grange Care Home and the Churchill Precinct in Dudley. The national week runs from 13-19 May, with Dudley’s activities spanning across the week.
The exhibition is open from 1.30pm to 4.00pm on Monday afternoon. Entrance is via the South Wing Coffee Lounge
Link to Art Group Video