A group of tenants and supported housing service users from North Wales Housing are displaying their artistic flair at an exhibition at the Gwynedd Museum & Gallery, following an ambitious arts programme.
The group from Bangor completed a ten week course which introduced them to a range of artistic disciplines and techniques. This project was a partnership programme held between Gwynedd Council’s Museums & Arts Service and North Wales Housing.
The display at the gallery shows the groups progress through the course duration and developing ability to express themselves through various mediums.
Julie Eddowes Outreach and Resettlement Officer of North Wales Housing said:
“This has been a brilliant project that has not only allowed the tenants and service users to develop their skills and provide an outlet for their expression, but has encouraged the group to work as a team, share their experiences, opinions and feelings.”
“The resulting work from all of them is incredible and shows some serious talent!”
Led by community artist, Vivienne Rickman-Poole, the course was kick-started with a tour of the museum and gallery which helped to inspire the budding artists. The second week centred upon a still life exercise, in this instance, mackerel – the group began sketching the fish using line drawing, moving on to use of colours, progressing further to add collage. Other examples of techniques explored were printing and watercolour painting.
Julie added:
“Each student’s work has been expertly mounted and displayed for public viewing which has garnered a real sense of pride for our service users. Anyone interested should visit the exhibition gallery at no cost.”
North Wales Housing tenant Dafydd Lloyd who took part in the project said:
“The project has been one of the most satisfying, creative experiences I have ever had’.”
Four of the service users are continuing to meet together regularly as an art group with the Gwynedd Museum & Gallery allowing the budding artists to use their premises for a further 10 weeks on an in kind basis.
