Northampton art project helps vulnerable adults

An art exhibition featuring work by vulnerable adults has helped “take them away from the hardships they’re experiencing”, its curator has said.

Artists in Residence, a free show at the Vulcan Works, in Northampton, is the culmination of a year-long project.

Six artists held workshops at three venues – C2C Social Action, Sol Haven and Northampton Hope Centre – with participants facing a range of issues.

“To see the process and to see the growth within them and to see them come out from one mental health space into another has been tear-jerking,” Emma Davies said.

“It’s opening them up to new worlds of art.

“It really takes them to another space away from the hardship that they’re experiencing in life.

“Some participants just like to watch and over the weeks you see them gradually moving closer, so we see watching as engagement because they’re taking it all in.”

The art includes film, ceramics, photography, printmaking, drawing, painting, weaving, fabric dyeing, collage, construction, and computer-generated images.

“We are really proud of the contributions, lots of pieces talk to each other and make sense visually,” Ms Davies said.

Participants were also involved in transforming a pair of curtains, painting wallpaper, and printing 3D nets.

“It was showing ways of working in art that anyone can do, you don’t need to have fancy equipment or expensive materials,” Ms Davies said.

“To see the process and to see the growth within them and to see them come out from one mental health space into another has been tear-jerking at times, in a positive way.

“It’s very emotionally rewarding as some people have gone on to make their own artwork in their own time.”

An online book is due to be released showcasing the art.

The exhibition is being held on 6-7 and 10-13 April.