Patient and exhibitor John Shoedeke
Art created by patients at St Luke’s Hospice was displayed in an exhibition that formed part of Basildon Council’s 70th anniversary celebrations.
“Art Fest” also included the work of patients’ families, carers, staff and volunteers in the first exhibition of its kind for the hospice. Among the unique pieces were paintings, drawings, home-made jewellery and sculptures.
The idea was born from a Day Hospice project that encouraged people to decorate large sunflower petals which were assembled together to make a spectacular sunflower display. This was the pinnacle of Art Fest and the final piece was displayed as part of the exhibition.
Art Fest was held in the Day Hospice, where people with life-limiting illnesses are supported and cared for. People who attend the Day Hospice are regularly encouraged to take part in diversional and creative activities including arts and crafts.
To help create a festival feel patients also helped make bunting to surround the hospice. There was free music, entertainment and refreshments for people to enjoy, and some of the artwork was sold to help raise funds.
The exhibition was launched by Basildon Mayor Cllr Burton-Sampson and also included photographic art gifted to the hospice by renowned royal photographer Arthur Edwards MBE.
Julie Sone who shared 4D Artwork at the event said: “Creative work makes me feel mellow. I’ve made seven individual pieces for each of my grandchildren during my time at the hospice and once the pieces are joined together they create a meaningful message. I felt very proud to see my work displayed.”
John Shoedeke, another patient and exhibitor who shared his “African Artefacts”, said: “I feel very proud to be part of St. Luke’s Hospice and have enjoyed seeing my creations on display.”
Eileen Craig, Head of Day Hospice at St. Luke’s Hospice and organiser of the event, said: “We were overwhelmed by the variety, incredible standard and number of exhibits received, and we took great care to ensure each piece was carefully and thoughtfully placed and displayed. But it was the personal stories which accompanied the exhibits that all staff here will cherish, and the thrill of the expressions of pride on people’s faces as they saw their work in an exhibition for the first time, something that none of them had expected to see.”
For more information visit St Luke’s Hospice
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