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Art Studio
For many
patients the art studio is a welcome retreat away from the
ward. A rolling programme of workshops run weekly for patients
to access a wide range of materials and equipment including
painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, screen-printing
and batik to name but a few. The ethos of the sessions is
to provide a relaxed environment in which people feel empowered
to try new techniques and experiment with materials and ideas.
Short
projects and specialist sessions are also offered at various
times. The most recent was a 3 month puppetry workshop which
included patients making puppets and writing and performing
a show, this was facilitated by a sculptor and drama therapist.
Over the years there have been frequent artist in residence
programmes including the covering of a 100 foot long building
in ceramic, development of a courtyard garden including the
construction of metal archways and various photography and
film projects. All the projects are designed to engage the
patients and staff in all aspects of the creative process.
Those
who facilitate the studios are witness to the power of art
and its role in aiding recovery and sustaining well being.
The link between art and well being is only now being explored
in the broader world of mental health services, highlighting
the need for more research and funding to develop the arts
as part of a more holistic approach to patient care.
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