Oct 2019
Inspired artwork goes on show at Longlands
Vibrant artwork inspired by gardens around the world has been created by residents of Longlands Care Home in Oxford as part of a national project.
Vibrant artwork inspired by gardens around the world has been created by residents of Longlands Care Home in Oxford as part of a national project.
The artwork, which residents have been working on over the summer, has gone on show throughout the home on Balfour Road which is run by The Orders of St John Care Trust.
The exhibition is the culmination of a project run by Creative Mojo, which specialises in providing craft experiences for the elderly and people with learning disabilities, to encourage care homes and other community centres across the country to create and showcase artwork inspired by gardens in Morocco, Dubai, Thailand and Holland.
Emma Polin, the local co-ordinator of Creative Mojo, who has been running regular arts sessions at Longlands since the start of the year, commented that the residents had really loved getting involved.
She said: “Several people at first said they couldn’t do it but with a bit of gentle persuasion and encouragement they gave it a go and found they really enjoyed it. For those people it’s even more of an achievement to create something and is so good for their self-esteem.
“It’s fantastic for them to see their work on display like this. They really enjoy recognising what they’ve worked on and it keeps the conversation going about their art and what they’ve achieved.”
Longlands activities coordinator Donna Shirley said the residents always looked forward to Emma’s visits.
Donna added: “Emma has really inspired our residents and helped many of them discover hidden artistic talents. She’s so good at getting them involved and encouraging those who don’t usually join in with activities. Her sessions have really brought a lot of residents out of themselves.”
The finished pictures, which are on display throughout the home, in frames made by Longlands handyman Bryan Fenn, were unveiled by Oxford homelessness champion Shabnam Sabir BEM during a tea party for residents.
Other OSJCT homes in the county which have taken part in this project include Townsend House in Headington, Henry Cornish in Chipping Norton, Madley Park House in Witney and Langford View in Bicester.