Pride in our Art: Arts for Good Health course celebrating pride by Recovery Pathways
As part of the Recovery Pathways ‘Arts for Good Health’ summer programme, Stephen Davis, Lead Wellbeing Artist, ran a five-week course in August to celebrate pride, focusing on the work of LGBTQ+ artists Keith Vaughan, Joan Eardsley, Andy Warhol, Greer Lankton and Juno Birch.
The Pride in our Art course was open to GMMH staff as well as service users living in Manchester over the age of 18.
Each week, participants looked at the work of an artist, discussed their life, what inspired them and the techniques they used to create art.
Participants then created their own unique pieces, inspired by each artist and the creative methods they used. Over the weeks, different creative mediums associated with each artist were used including drawing, painting, sculpture and printing.
Here are some comments from participants:
“The concept for this course was inspiring. Looking at LGBTQ+ artists, their creative methods and the inspiration for their work really does show that what we create comes from who we are! Thanks for the opportunity.”
“It has been a lot of fun both learning about the artists, but also then having a go at our own paintings in the style of.”
“It was very interesting to learn about the artists, their lives and techniques. It was fun to recreate the styles and especially using sand, which I never would have thought of. I really enjoyed trying different techniques and found it a very calm and relaxing environment. Very enjoyable.”
“I enjoyed the process of making my clay head. It took me out of my anxious head while I was creating my clay head.”
“It has been a lot of fun both learning about the artist, but also then having a go at our own paintings in the style of.”
“It was brilliant learning different techniques and making art which I can be proud of. I really enjoyed the course and would recommend it to anyone. The whole place is relaxing, and it is fun.”
The Recovery Pathways service, part of Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Trust (GMMH), has recently announced the launch of its Arts for Good Health autumn 2024 programme.
For more information about Arts for Good Health, including how to access, and to view the autumn programme, visit: Arts for Good Health | Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS FT (gmmh.nhs.uk).
