Wokingham

From next Tuesday (February 27), Wokingham District Council’s Mall Gallery at Shute End will be hosting the “Sharing visions and voices” exhibition, a display of artwork produced by clients of Woodley Age Concern Day Centre.

The artwork was produced during a recent community art project at the day centre. The project began in November 2006 and ran for 10 weeks, with 14 participants who were all regular users of the day centre. The sessions combined drama workshops with visual art forms such as painting and collage.

Participants in the drama workshop worked with drama practitioner Matt Young to create two imaginary characters called Marjory and George who were embroiled in a tale of love affairs, golf and even murder. Meanwhile visual artist Joanne Werrett and other members of the group used techniques such as silk painting and collage to bring the story and the characters to life.

Artwork created during the projects will be on display in The Wokingham Mall Gallery later this month, including a stunning painting Teacup by Reina Sharratt, along with photographs taken during the sessions. The exhibition is open for the public to view from February 27 to March 29, 8.30am to 5pm every weekday, in The Mall Gallery at the Civic Offices in Shute End.

The project was managed by ITHACA* and supported by Wokingham District Council’s community care services, Woodley Older People’s Forum (WISE) and Woodley Age Concern. The exhibition is sponsored by Wokingham District Cultural Partnership.

Visual artist Joanne Werrett said of the project: “I was very surprised and inspired by the participants’ spontaneity when building the characters and taking it forward. It has been a unique experience. Everyone was enthralled – there was no shortage of imagination, playfulness, laughter and fun.”

Margaret Boag, one of the day centre clients who participated in the project, explained how the sessions had helped her: “This has been very interesting and I really got to know people. I see them at the day centre but know nothing about them – now I’ve met them.”

Cllr Dianne King, executive member for Wokingham community development, said: “This project shows how community art projects can really make a difference to local people. Many of the older people who participated commented on how the sessions helped them develop new skills and meet new people. The pieces of artwork created by the group are absolutely stunning. I hope that we can build on these achievements with similar projects in future.”

Wokingham District Council