World’s largest care home art gallery draws a virtual crowd

Residents at care homes across the nation have contributed to the world’s largest ever care home art exhibition.

Now open to the public, the virtual gallery showcases over 50 pieces of artwork created by residents from almost 40 care homes around the theme ‘Make the change’.

Care UK partnered on the exhibition with charity The Big Draw, which promotes the therapeutic benefits of drawing as a tool for learning, expression, and positive wellbeing. Among the art on show, visitors will see recreations of the Mona Lisa, collaborations with local school children, and paintings highlighting important topical issues like climate change. Interest has already been expressed in purchasing some of the pieces on display.

The Big Draw’s virtual gallery

The opening of the virtual gallery to the public was the grand finale to the 2021 partnership.

“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. We want to say a big thank you to Care UK for taking part and look forward to working with the residents and the team on future projects.”

Commenting on her artwork featuring in a national gallery, Doris, a resident at Appleby House, said: “Heavens above, it’s an honour – I’m very proud, but it wasn’t just me, we all got involved!”. Sharing the excitement towards the national gallery, resident Jean at Dashwood Manor said: “I’m excited – a gallery wow. It’ll be nice to see all the pictures.”

At Sherwood Grange, in Kingston Vale, resident Ida added: “I always look forward to the art projects because they keep me busy and engage my mind. I was never a naturally arty person before Sherwood Grange, but find myself looking forward to each art project more and more – and I can spend time chatting and remembering while taking part!”.

Another resident, Jean at Harrier Lodge, in Whitstable, who collaborated on a floral themed artwork with pupils at Joy Lane Primary School, said: “I really enjoy painting as I find it relaxing and I like looking at all of the different colours.”

 “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,” said Care UK’s dementia expert Suzanne Mumford.

“The Big Draw Festival is a fantastic initiative which residents have enjoyed and looked forward to for a third year running. 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.

“We certainly have some very skilled and talented artists who can now say their artwork features in an exhibition – one which certainly looks the art!”

Launched in 2000 as part of the ‘Campaign for Drawing’, the month-long Big Draw Festival promotes drawing as a tool for learning, expression, and invention, and has encouraged over four million people to get arty since its inception.

After a successful participation in the Big Draw Festival last year, Care UK renewed its partnership, becoming the main health and social care partner and leading the way in changing perceptions of life in a care home by promoting activity-based care and encouraging other care homes to follow suit.

To see the residents’ artwork, click here.

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, click here.

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