Ipswich Artist Hosts Exhibition Thanks to Fairways Staff

An aspiring Ipswich artist with a brain injury was able to showcase his creative talents at a Suffolk art exhibition which was arranged just for him by Cygnet Social Care staff.

Mark Keir is a current resident at Fairways, a Cygnet Social Care-run specialist residential service supporting adults with learning disabilities and complex needs. He is passionate about art and craft and during his free time, he likes to engage with different type of creative art including painting, sketching, and embellishing objects.

To showcase his creativity and passion for art, staff at Fairways organised for an exhibition to be held at Suffolk County Council’s Endeavour House over the course of three days.

Talking about his love for art, Mark, who has an acquired brain injury, said: “I think I would try to explain by saying it’s a sense of freedom to replicate what we see and feel and a true honour to be able to do this from time to time.

“I got my interest in art from my dad who was a fantastic artist. His paintings and drawings were superb and he could sculpt to a high level as well. My brother and sisters all had the same talent in art so, thank you dad”.

The hard work Mark put into his art really impressed staff who were keen to give him a platform to show off his work. Mark was able discuss his work and his interest in art with the public and received many compliments.

Visitors to the exhibition shared their feedback including: “Stunning work, really beautiful. Thank you for sharing your talent.”

Fairways service manage Suman Dewan thanked the Adult and Community Services (ACS) at Suffolk County Council for enabling the art exhibition to take place.

She added: “All of us at Fairways are incredibly proud of Mark and what he has achieved with his artwork. Across all Cygnet Social Care services, staff enable residents to fulfil their potential and to see this happening with Mark is so pleasing.

“Every day I witness the difference our motivated, compassionate and value-driven teams make for our services users like Mark which enables them to achieve their goals.

“Mark is exceptionally talented and to be given a platform to showcase his talent meant so much to him.”