Residents of Humfrey Lodge Care Home in Great Dunmow have been channelling their creativity into an upcoming art exhibition.

Their pottery pieces - and a zero-waste dress - will be featured in the 'No Art Without Heart' Art Exhibition 2024 at Colchester and Harlow libraries.

As well as showcasing residents' artistic talents, the collaborative effort to produce the artwork has strengthened the community at Humfrey Lodge, which is part of the Runwood Homes Group.

Weronika Bien, wellbeing lead at Humfrey Lodge, said: "We are pleased to participate in the exhibition hosted by Runwood Homes.

"It’s a wonderful way to bring our residents together and showcase their creativity."

Humfrey Lodge has 49 bedrooms and offers residential and dementia care.

The exhibition features art from residents of various homes, as well as Sanders Senior Living, which caters to over-65s.

Runwood Homes Group's wellbeing team Kieun Kwon and Sarah Dodsworth have been working with wellbeing leads in the individual homes over the past few months.

Sarah said: "It is fabulous that we can showcase our residents' work in Essex Libraries.

"Libraries bring back evocative memories for people in our homes. Having our exhibition in a public space connects us to the community and the outside world."

One resident commented: "I am delighted to have my picture in a gallery, who would have thought it?"

The exhibitions will be held at Colchester Library from August 13 to 22, and at Harlow Library from September 6 to 29.

Sarah Sanders, business development director of Runwood Homes Group, said: "This has been a fantastic project that has brought residents, families, and staff together, encouraging them to use their creative skills.

READ MORE

"Our residents have been really engaged in developing artwork or writing poetry, which has been done to a very high standard.

"This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase their talents. I am looking forward to visiting the exhibition to see it for myself."

The wellbeing leads hope to run similar exhibitions and projects around the country in the future - with an exhibition of care home residents' art to be held in Doncaster Museum later this year.