Care home residents across the nation have been drawing in a crowd with what is claimed to be the world’s biggest ever care home art exhibition.
Residents in almost 40 Care UK care homes have taken part, with over 50 pieces of artwork on show in a virtual gallery, which is now open to the public.
From Edinburgh to Kent, residents across the UK submitted artwork as part of the partnership between the care home provider and The Big Draw charity, which promotes the therapeutic benefits of drawing as a tool for learning, expression, and promoting positive wellbeing.
From recreating Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, to collaborating with local school children to create giant collages of forests, and drawing and painting artwork that highlights important topical issues, such as the impact of climate change, residents have been ‘etching’ to put their creative skills to the test.
“We’re thrilled Care UK have chosen to partner with The Big Draw for a third year running to promote the benefits of art on improving physical and mental wellbeing,” said The Big Draw director Kate Mason.
“We loved seeing the resident’s wonderful artistic talents in their immersive virtual art gallery which offered a truly fascinating experience into our theme around nature,” she added.
Suzanne Mumford, Care UK’s dementia expert said: “We’re excited to be showcasing the resident’s talents on the worldwide stage with our online exhibition that is free for anyone to enjoy.
“Creative activities play a big part of life within our care homes, and we actively encourage residents to continue lifelong arty hobbies and try new expressive pastimes through imaginative and creative activities planned by our lifestyle team.”
“Drawing has a variety of benefits for older people, especially those living with dementia, as it provides an alternative way to communicate and express emotions, and an opportunity to relive happy memories.
To see the residents’ artwork, visit www.artspaces.kunstmatrix.com/en/exhibition/8482502/care-uk-art-exhibition.
To find out more about Care UK’s partnership with the Big Draw, and for more top tips on how you and your loved ones can get involved at home, visit www.careuk.com/the-big-draw.
