Art Exhibition Shows Care Home Residents Masterpieces

Elderly residents at five Hallmark Care Homes have displayed their best artwork to members of the local community at an exhibition held at the Penarth Pier Pavilion in South Wales.

The exhibition which opened in March, depicted memories of the artists working and growing up in Wales, and included 40 exhibits from individuals who reside at Hallmark Care Homes; Ty Enfys, Regency House, Shire Hall, Greenhill Manor and Cartref Annwyl Fan.

Over 80 guests attended the launch event, including representatives from charity, Age Cymru and the Deputy Mayor of the Vale of Glamorgan, Councillor Edward Williams who officially opened the exhibition.

Throughout the afternoon, guests questioned residents about their masterpieces and enjoyed afternoon tea, and the musical stylings of Welsh opera singer Holly Clark.

Resident Beryl Lee, 77, who lives at Ty Enfys Care Home in Pentwyn said: “It feels lovely to display my work, three pieces of my work were on display at this exhibition and I have contributed to several others.

“My favourite piece is of a fountain I drew, where I would play in my hometown Merthyr Tydfil as a girl with my friends. It brings back happy memories, and still stands today as a monumental treasure.”

Organiser of the event, and Group Lifestyle Manager for Hallmark Care Homes, Debbie Sharples-Kirkbride MBE said: “We had a fantastic afternoon at our exhibition launch day.

“The residents, our lifestyle’s team, our artist in residence Charlotte Jones as well visiting artists from Age Cymru whom we have been working in partnership with, have worked really hard to put together this exhibition, so that it can be enjoyed by members of the local community.

“The purpose of this event was to bring residents artwork to a wider audience so that they can take pride in their work.  It also serves as a platform to engage those living with dementia and complex physical conditions within the local community, encouraging others to see past their conditions.

“I am incredibly pleased with the outcome of this event and I was delighted that the Pier Pavilion agreed to maintain the exhibition for a number of weeks after our launch.”