Painting project inspires new artists
Adults with learning disabilities and older people from Nuneaton joined together and found a mutual love for watercolour painting.
The nine adults met together during a 12 week watercolour painting course. The course was organised by staff from Ramsden Centre, for people with physical disabilities, and Caldwell Grange care home; in partnership with Warwickshire County Council’s Adult Learning.
The course was held at Caldwell Grange and the students included older residents from the home and two people who use the service at Ramsden Centre.
Deb Adams, Care Officer at Caldwell Grange, explained that the aim of the course was to bring different groups of people together and to use art as a form of therapy and personal development.
“It’s the first time we have worked in this way. Students were taught how to mix paints and apply them in different ways to create different effects. It’s been so successful that Adult Learning are now going to run a 15 week Christmas Craft making course, using a variety of artistic methods from silk painting to sugar craft,” said Deb.
Jack Wilkinson, who is 74, said: “I loved it. My sister got my picture framed for me so I can have it on the wall in my room.”
Maureen Eastoe, who has been a Care Assistant at Caldwell Grange for more than six years, said that the residents got a lot out of the course.
She said: “It’s boosted their confidence, and they got a lot of satisfaction. They really loved it.”
Deb said that the work has received lots of praise and the participants have been thriving on their involvement.
Ramsden Centre and Caldwell Grange are part of Warwickshire County Council’s provision for people with physical disabilities, and older people, based in the Nuneaton area.