Bilston Art 4 Health Group
Win the MLA West Midlands Special Group Adult Learners’ Week Award - 2008
The eight members of the Bilston Art 4 Health Group support each other to overcome their own personal barriers to learning, through participating in art as therapy. Though only two members of the group had previous experience of art they are all now keen to practise their new skills outside the classroom and will be exhibiting their work in a major exhibition later this year.
For the last nine months the group has met at Bilston Craft Gallery; for some being outside their usual environment is a big step, but the venue has inspired them to develop their artistic skills. Group learning has given them confidence and self belief. They are now an inspiration to others experiencing issues with mental health or social exclusion.
Their nominator, Beverley Dedicoat, comments that ‘the group works well together because they have compassion for each other; commitment and humour have become the driving forces’. One of the group said that is important to ‘be in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere yet still take learning seriously’
‘We all fell in love with the gallery which shows varied and exciting exhibitions. We now have a home there which inspires us all … We all come to class to be stimulated and inspired, to take the pressure off our normal lives and being in such wonderful surroundings only enhances our love and passion for learning.’
PRESS RELEASE
The eight members of the Bilston Art 4 Health Group support each other to overcome their own personal barriers to learning, through participating in art as therapy. Though only two members of the group had previous experience of art they are all now keen to practise their new skills outside the classroom and will be exhibiting their work in a major exhibition later this year.
For the last nine months the group has met at Bilston Craft Gallery; for some being outside their usual environment is a big step, but the venue has inspired them to develop their artistic skills. Group learning has given them confidence and self belief. They are now an inspiration to others experiencing issues with mental health or social exclusion.
Their nominator, Beverley Dedicoat, comments that ‘the group works well together because they have compassion for each other; commitment and humour have become the driving forces’. One of the group said that is important to ‘be in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere yet still take learning seriously’
‘We all fell in love with the gallery which shows varied and exciting exhibitions. We now have a home there which inspires us all … We all come to class to be stimulated and inspired, to take the pressure off our normal lives and being in such wonderful surroundings only enhances our love and passion for learning.’
PRESS RELEASE
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