Our online art therapy group, set up to support survivors of sexual violence during the pandemic, have been given a chance to exhibit their artwork at a new community space in Monmouthshire and premiere a video of The Process Behind the Art!
The group started meeting over Zoom last autumn. Since then, 8 courses have been delivered online, with all the artwork created at home and shared virtually via social media and amongst participants in this Horizon Virtual Art Showcase Video.
The art sessions have been led by Swansea-based artist, Lisa Burkl, with support from Horizon’s Participation and Outreach Worker, Rachel Nye. Materials were delivered to individuals across Gwent, with group members joining in from Caldicot to Caerphilly, learning crash glass-mosaic and gold leaf-gilding techniques to create their finished art pieces. The groups gave participants opportunities to reconnect with other people and themselves; something that can be particularly challenging following traumatic life events.
Participation and Outreach Worker, Rachel Nye said:
“The sessions were cathartic, enlightening, uplifting and fun – reclaiming our laughter and connecting with others has been a powerful experience and the journey through the lifetime of each of the groups was as important as the beautiful keepsakes we now have as reminders of the time spent together.”
Director of Horizon Support Services, Sally Howells said:
“We are delighted to finally be exhibiting the work of our Horizon art therapy group participants after almost a year of online sessions. The first course was a leap of faith for everyone involved: the staff involved had never delivered anything like this online and most of the participants had never tried their hand at anything artistic. But all the groups have been a resounding success, with incredible feedback which demonstrates the power of art to bring together people with shared experiences, build confidence, improve wellbeing and support individual journeys.”
The artwork was unveiled at the TogetherWORKS community space in Caldicot, Monmouthshire at their launch day on 8th September and will remain on display throughout September, to be enjoyed by all those accessing the centre. A video revealing the process behind the art was played on a loop throughout the launch event, with visitors invited to stop and enjoy the exhibit and video while touring the new space.
The Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Caldicot were among those in attendance. Deputy Mayor, Cllr Maxine Mitchell said: “The clients who gave their time and their impressive abilities are to be congratulated and celebrated. The artwork speaks volumes: the symbolism of butterflies, to the strength and beauty of the fractured tiles. The work is moving. I hope everyone involved is proud of their work and themselves.”
Check out our art therapy videos:
Horizon Virtual Art Showcase
The Process Behind the Art!