Posted on Monday 21st October 2024
(left to right) Janet, Janice, Maureen, Julie, Glynis and Ben from the arts group.
A local art group are set to have their work on display at the Ancient High House in Stafford.
’Stafford at the Pictures’ features artwork created by members of the Wellbeing Art Group at Holmcroft Library. Led by local artist, Mark Uttley, the group have created a range of works that share their memories of Stafford’s local cinema and movie heritage.
The exhibition includes drawings & paintings inspired by cinematic themes, such as venues, movie posters and memories of cinema in and around the town centre.
Victoria Wilson, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture at Staffordshire County Council said:
“This is a wonderful exhibition created by a talented group who meet regularly at the library.
“It includes a range of different art works that bring to life some of the memories of cinema in the town. It is amazing to see what the group have achieved and I would encourage people to get along to see it.
“Libraries remain community hubs and offer such welcoming spaces where people from all backgrounds can come together and form new groups and friendships. This project shows that a focus on creating has such an uplifting and positive impact on people.”
Holmcroft Library is managed by Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT) who manage nine of the county’s libraries.
Mark Cardwell, Care Integration and Partnerships Director from Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust said:
“Library volunteers have been working in partnership with MPFT’s Arts for Health team to run regular, supportive creative sessions. Here adults can learn new skills and take part with others, forming social connections while aiming to improve their creative skills, wellbeing and confidence.
“The workshops provide adults with an opportunity to escape the stresses and strains of everyday life, have a cuppa and enjoy a welcoming environment facilitated and supported by local artists and community volunteers.”
One of the group members Julie, said:
"I’m really pleased to see how well the exhibition has been put together, it’s very professionally done. It’s great to see how everyone has grown in confidence and developed their own styles of art. The encouragement of the group and leader has helped us all. It’s marvellous that our work has been acknowledged in such a way as a public exhibition."
A second participant added:
“The sessions are enjoyable, relaxing and sociable. There’s so many words could be used to describe the sheer pleasure of drawing and painting in a totally relaxing atmosphere. I am so grateful for the opportunity to take part and to learn to draw & paint.”
‘Stafford at the Pictures’ runs until 2 November at the Ancient High House, Greengate Street, Stafford.
An open event will be held at the High House on Friday 1 November from 2-3pm to celebrate the exhibition and to congratulate everyone involved.
The project is supported by Staffordshire Libraries & Arts Service in partnership with Arts for Health, Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust and Holmcroft Library Community Managed Library.