Bailiwick Social Prescribing is presenting a community art exhibition in August at Guernsey Arts’ George Crossan Gallery.
The exhibition, which runs from Friday through to the end of the month (1 – 29 August), opens its doors to the public with free admission, and looks to showcase artwork created during BSP’s weekly “Paint and Create” sessions.
These art classes have been running for four years under the guidance of local artist Olympia McEwan, and she describes them as a “rich source of creativity and freedom of expression”.
Ms McEwan said: “The Friday group are pure joy to be with every week. We create beautiful artwork but most importantly connections and friendships. Thank you BSP for making this possible!”
The initiative is part of a broader understanding that engaging in creative activities has significant benefits for physical and mental wellbeing.
Evidence suggests that art can improve emotional processing, reduce stress, and help people build healthier habits. BSP aims to connect individuals to non-medical support, and activities that improve their health and wellbeing.
The scheme aims to provide a safe, social space for people to grow in confidence and manage existing health problems. The ‘Paint and Create’ exhibition is a direct celebration of the vibrant art community that takes part in BSP.
Jo Hollyer-Hill, a Bailiwick Social Prescribing Link Worker, said: “Paint and Create on a Friday is the second art group that BSP commissioned to add an extra creative option to run alongside our Wednesday art group at Styx and Singing for Health Group on a Tuesday at Styx.”
Ms Hollyer-Hill says it’s grown from humble beginnings: “It started small but has rapidly grown to a thriving, friendly community which I love socially prescribing to as I know that those we support will be warmly welcomed into the heart of the group. I often attend the sessions myself and have managed to produce pieces of art I never dreamed possible which is such a huge confidence boost.”