Virtual mental health art exhibition is launched
A virtual exhibition of artwork created by service users at Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH)’s Recovery Pathways has launched.
The Enchantment of the Everyday exhibition, launched this week (05 December 2022), virtually showcases a collection of artworks created during the pandemic (2020 to 2022), by people with lived experience of mental health problems.
It explores the theme of finding beauty, magic, and something new in our everyday lives.
The Recovery Pathways service supports individuals to build futures through art, people and places. It offers a unique and creative range opportunities to build confidence and skills, and enable personal mental health recovery.
Created from a collection of many varied pieces of artwork by service users over several lockdowns, the exhibition has been curated by Simon Jones, Wellbeing Arts Tutor at Recovery Pathways, into one animated piece. He said:
“March 2020 was the start of a very strange, uncertain, and difficult time for many. Our worlds became much smaller, and Recovery Pathways had to close its doors. Life as we knew it looked completely different and we didn’t know if it would look the same again.
“We found alternative ways to connect with people through: setting up online groups; delivering creative packs to doorsteps; and regular phone calls and text messages. And we sought new outlets for inspiration and expression.
“The aim of Enchantment of the Everyday was to improve mental wellbeing – particularly at this difficult time - by helping people to see their surroundings differently, to find beauty and enchantment in the everyday. It also helped people to learn new skills, and to connect with others at this increased time of isolation for many.
“The result has been a varied and powerful series of artworks which is as strange as the time and experience of living through the pandemic itself. You will experience such things as the inner thoughts of a cauliflower pot, to the undulating spiral of a snail’s shell.”
One service user, who would like to remain anonymous, said:
“Attending the Creative Wellbeing sessions has been a lifeline for me during the pandemic. Connecting with everyone once a week and taking part in the activities has literally been my only connection with the world outside.”
Another anonymous service user said:
“I have really looked forward to the art sessions every week. Even though we were all linking virtually, it’s been so therapeutic to have the opportunity to feel part of a creative group.”
The virtual Enchantment of the Everyday exhibition can be accessed via the following link: https://www.gmmh.nhs.uk/enchantment-of-the-everyday-exhibition.
For enquiries regarding attending a Recovery Academy course, please contact Recovery Pathways via email on referrals.recoverypathways@gmmh.nhs.uk or telephone at 07436 560917. For more information about Recovery Pathways, visit: www.gmmh.nhs.uk/recovery-pathways.
