Paint and create community art exhibition to showcase local talent
- Bailiwick Social Prescribing is hosting a community art exhibition in August.
- The exhibition is at the George Crossan Gallery.
- Showcases artwork produced by participants from weekly art classes.
- Art sessions aim to promote creativity and build social connections.
- Free admission; open daily to 29 August.
Bailiwick Social Prescribing has announced the inaugural community art exhibition titled "Paint and Create," which will be held until 29 August at the George Crossan Gallery.
The exhibition celebrates the art produced during weekly art classes facilitated by local artist Olympia McEwan.
For the past four years, these sessions have provided a creative outlet and fostered a sense of belonging among participants.
The Friday afternoon art sessions operate on a donation basis, inviting attendees to contribute as they can.
Many participants describe the sessions as “the favourite part of their week,” highlighting the importance of the supportive environment for making connections and friendships.
Jo Hollyer-Hill, a Link Worker with Bailiwick Social Prescribing, said: “Paint and Create on a Friday is the second art group that BSP commissioned to add an extra creative option to run alongside our Wednesday art group at Styx and Singing for Health Group on a Tuesday at Styx.
"It started small but has rapidly grown to a thriving, friendly community which I love socially prescribing to as I know that those we support will be warmly welcomed into the heart of the group. I often attend the sessions myself and have managed to produce pieces of art I never dreamed possible which is such a huge confidence boost.”
The BSP art groups not only promote creativity but also support mental and physical well-being, creating a safe space for social engagement. The benefits of participation in artistic and cultural activities are well-documented, showing improvements in emotional health, cognitive function, and community cohesion.
Admission to the exhibition is free, and the gallery will be open to the public from 9am to 5pm daily.
Bailiwick Social Prescribing can connect people to any type of non-medical support that addresses unmet needs. For example, this could be a physical activity, a sport, volunteering at a charity shop or accessing counselling, financial support or housing assistance.
The Health Improvement Commission for Guernsey and Alderney oversees the operation and funding of these initiatives.
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