Welland Art Exhibition 2009

WORKS of art by 18 gifted, local amateur artists go on display at Chichele College in Higham Ferrers from Friday August 7.

The works, which include paintings, drawings, photographs and written work, have been selected from entries to an art competition organised by Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s occupational therapy team in Kettering.

All the works have been submitted by people involved with local mental health services.

“We are very excited at this year’s exhibition and congratulate all the artists on the excellent work they have produced,” said occupational therapist and exhibition organiser Sue Birchall.

“Taking part in creative activities is very good for your mental wellbeing and an excellent way to reinforce good mental health.”

“There is now plenty of evidence that creative activities aid recovery. They help people to express themselves, to increase motivation and to relax, as well as increasing confidence and social contact.

“This year’s exhibition provides an excellent opportunity for people to display their work and demonstrate their talents.”

The exhibition runs until Monday August 10 at Chichele College, after which it will be on display at the Welland Centre at St Mary’s Hospital in Kettering before going on tour to other venues in the county.

The Welland Art Exhibition 2009 is being shown in association with Steph Valentine, a local artist and volunteer at the Welland Centre, and her own exhibition “The Steph Valentine Experience”.

The exhibition is open from 10am to 3pm on August 7, 8, 9 and 10. Dates and venues for other venues will be available later in the summer.