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Scottish artist celebrates launch of Art Liberating Lives

30 January 2008

 

 

An artist from Arran was one of the guests of honour at Sue Ryder Care's exclusive preview evening, at the Mall Galleries in London, to launch the charity's annual Art Liberating Lives exhibition.

Well known artist Tommy Fitchet (38) celebrated the culmination of Sue Ryder Care's successful Art Liberating Lives initiative - which included artwork donated from Tommy - alongside a host of artists from across the country and representatives from Sue Ryder Care. 

Art Liberating Lives is designed to reflect the importance of art as therapy in the charity's six hospices and nine neurological care centres nationwide.  

Tommy donated a beautiful painting entitled, ‘Saorsa' which is gaelic for "freedom".  It was inspired by nature, the Scottish landscape and the changing light of the seasons.  The painting was on display at Sue Ryder Care's Art Liberating Lives event at the Mall Galleries in London during December.        

Tommy said: "Donating a painting is my way of helping.  It was fantastic just to see the piece in the Gallery with other works of art - all of them helping Sue Ryder Care which is such a worthwhile cause."

Tommy added: "Since childhood I have found art the most natural way to reflect my surroundings and express my emotions.  This gives me some understanding of how art therapy can help the people that are cared for in Sue Ryder Care's neurological care centres and hospices.  They will gain a huge benefit through art as it will help them to express a lot of the different emotions that they feel when they are living with conditions such as Huntington's Disease, multiple sclerosis and stroke."

If you would like to view some of Tommy's amazing artwork, surf to www.tommyfitchet.com

Carol Anne McMahon, Area Fundraising Manager (West of Scotland) said: "We were delighted when Tommy gave us his amazing painting for Art Liberating Lives.  The wonderful news is that it sold in the silent auction which was held throughout the duration of the exhibition, and the money it raised will help us help more people who need our care.  A huge thank you to Tommy, and to all the other artists who submitted paintings to the event - your support will make a real difference to people's lives."

As well as Tommy's painting, Art Liberating Lives showcased more than 400 pieces of art lovingly crafted over the past six months from people - of all ages and abilities - across the UK. 

Visitors to the exhibition were able to see first hand the triumphant results of Sue Ryder Care's art therapy sessions in an exclusive section of the exhibition showcasing the work of residents, as well as people who attend day and respite services.    

Victoria Glover, Head of Events at Sue Ryder Care, said, "The quality of art, which ranges from ceramics to watercolours to photography, donated from residents of the charity's care centres, school children and supporters of the charity, which were on show at the exhibition was exceptional.  Everybody's hard work is very much appreciated and will count towards helping the charity raise funds for its palliative, neurological and community-based services." 

"Art really does liberate lives at Sue Ryder Care and is a powerful way for people to express themselves in a way which their condition may otherwise make difficult.  I hope as many people as possible support this year's Art Liberating Lives exhibition," added Victoria.

If you would like to be sent information about Art Liberating Lives 2008 please call Carol Anne on 01505 614586.

For further information please contact Kirsty Tomassi, PR Manager (Scotland) on 07810 856853 or email kirsty.tomassi@suerydercare.org

Art Therapy Fact Box

• People undertake more than 60 hours a week of art therapy across the different care centres
• The average number of participants is six at each session - but this can reach as many as 25 at some centres
• The benefits of art therapy (as described by Sue Ryder Care art therapists) are increased interaction and conversation between residents and better mobility and coordination

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