e w elme y e o
Local artist Gillian Lacey was involved in an art workshop at Dorset County Museum in Dorchester last year which aimed to develop or revive the artistic skills of participants, re-engaging their interest in the museum and the heritage of the county.
“At each session the group visited a different part of the museum, such as the Thomas Hardy or natural histor y areas, where the curator briefly talked about some of the key objects. The group then worked on sketches related to them,” says Gilly. “After looking at a Elizabeth Frink sculpture, for example, they worked on self portraits. I did an example of myself with things I like, and they included symbols of what interested or represented themselves. Their portraits were amazing, I was quite overwhelmed by them.”
“The focus was to help participants identify who they are and rekindle that sense of self-worth, to be proud of that and celebrate it. They could just be themselves at the sessions, which is something they needed so badly. They and their carers enjoyed it a lot. That interaction was so important because it was an activity they could do together in a comfortable environment. They enjoyed the artistic challenges and improving their skills and they really looked forward to the different sessions. Their sense of purpose was evident and learning a skill they can bring to their everyday lives was a real achievement.”