Patients’ display a colourful expression

MORE than 60 people with mental illness have put their artistic talents on display for the first time.

The special arts project was developed by Cork University Hospital’s (CUH) arts committee in association with its Acute Mental Health Unit as part of the therapy provided to people with mental illness attending CUH’s specialist GF unit.

Artist Charlotte Donovan, who was chosen to facilitate the residency programme, spent 10 weeks working with the patients.

She held two sessions each week which were open for all patients to attend.

They were encouraged to experiment with a wide range of art materials and techniques including glass blowing and collage.

More than 60 patients in total participated in the project and their work has now gone on display.

The exhibition, Expressions in Colour, is on display in the gallery space of the staff dining room in CUH’s GF ward and is open from 8-10am, 12-2pm and 5-7pm until September 15.

Martin Denny, the clinical nurse manager of the GF unit hailed the arts project as a major success.

“The project has been extremely beneficial to patients... and has given them a real opportunity to express themselves. A lot of the patients said that they would love to do it again,” he said.

Ms Donovan said it had been a pleasure and a privilege to work in the unit.

“The welcome and support from the staff has been fantastic, and I was amazed at the quality and diversity of the artwork produced by the patients,” she said.

“It just goes to show what amazing creativity people have within them — they just need the opportunity and encouragement to express it.”