NHS art group stages first Newton Aycliffe exhibition (From The Advertiser Series)
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NHS art group stages first Newton Aycliffe exhibition
11:03am Tuesday 8th January 2013 in News
By Lizzie Anderson
From left, Colour Your Life participants Brenda Hutchinson and Christine McCormick at work during one of the art classes at the Pioneering Care Centre in Newton Aycliffe.
AN art group set up to promote positive mental health and wellbeing in County Durham is staging its first exhibition.
The heART of Friendship will showcase the work of more than 30 talented amateur artists, who all attend the Colour your Life Arts on Prescription sessions at the Pioneering Care Centre in Newton Aycliffe.
It will run at the town’s Greenfield Art Gallery from Thursday, January 10, to Wednesday, January 30, and will feature everything from detailed drawings of birds and animals to abstract paintings, colourful collages and watercolours.
Launched 18 months ago, Colour your Life is funded by the NHS and supports people who may be vulnerable, socially isolated and at risk of mental health problems.
Others simply come to make new friends and pick up top tips from professional artists.
Janice Nevison, 51, from Newton Aycliffe, has been attending the classes from the beginning.
“It is my time to escape,” she said. “I love drawing. When I draw I become engrossed in what I am doing. I find it very relaxing.”
For Paul Stokes from Tow Law the class has unearthed an artist talent he never knew he had.
The 61-year-old has produced a series of pieces depicting the mythical green man – also known as the Spirit of the Forest.
“I like mixing with other people,” he said. “During the Christmas holiday I did not get out much so I really looked forward to coming back. There is such a nice atmosphere.”
The Greenfield Gallery is open 10am to 9pm, Monday to Thursday, and from 10am to 4pm on Fridays.
