Care Home Residents Make An Exhibition Of Themselves

Ninety-nine year old Castle View resident Joyce Balston recently picked up a paint brush for the first time since she was a child – now she’s one of the proud artists whose work features in an exhibition at the Dorchester care home.

The main lounge at the Colten Care-owned home in Bridport Road, Poundbury, is adorned with pastels, watercolours and acrylic paintings, which have all been created by the Castle View Art Club.

Joyce said: “I hadn’t done any painting or drawing for more than 80 years and initially just went to along to the art club to watch. But then I thought I would give it a go and really enjoyed it.

“You do get a lovely sense of achievement and it shows you are never too old to do it.”

The club was set up by Castle View activities assistant and artist Liz Dewar.

Liz said: “Painting is not only therapeutic, it also exercises the imagination and improves dexterity and as a result of joining the club some of our residents have found artistic talents they never knew they had.”

She continued: “Some people like Joyce hadn’t drawn or painted in decades, but proved to have a natural flair for it and have produced some very good pieces of art.

“It has really given them a sense of achievement and our visitors, including the Mayor of Dorchester Councillor Susie Hosford, have been very impressed.”