Throughout May, members of the public are invited to visit our Wellbeing Hub at Preston Park during the weekends to enjoy art created by clients who use this vital mental health service.
The Artists Open Houses Festival is a much-loved fixture in the Brighton and Hove calendar and an opportunity for local artists to demonstrate their talents.
This year, 67 artists are exhibiting a total of 110 artworks. Work from clients receiving support from the Trust For Developing Communities, Brighton Women’s Centre, and Men in Sheds is also on show as part of the UOK Brighton & Hove network.
Recovery Advisor, Cathy, says: “The best thing is the sense of community amongst the artists and the pride everyone feels sharing their work and exhibiting with others. We do it to support the wellbeing of our clients, to show the service to others in the community, and to give people a platform to share their experiences to the wider community. And it’s so much fun!”
Recovery Worker, Ali, says: “It’s an opportunity for collaboration and working together. I run the Tuesday Art Group and the Accessible Art Group. We have a choice of two suggested activities but people can also work on their own projects. We’ve also done a lot of art with the Young Person’s Group too – graffiti sessions, block printing, and badge making. It’s always good to keep learning and stimulate your mind. It activates different parts of your brain that have been dormant if you’ve been unwell for a period of time.”
Team Manager, Beth, says: “Art can be really powerful for people’s recovery. I want to reflect how much courage it can take for people to come through the door and create art. We all love it when it comes round to this time of year at the Artists Open Houses Festival because it really signifies spring time. It feels very hopeful.”
Visit: Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th May between 11am and 2.30pm, at The Wellbeing Hub, 18 Preston Park Avenue, Brighton, BN1 6HL.
For more information, click here.
