Chawley Grove Care Home holds art exhibition from residents

The event, held at Chawley Grove Care Home in Cumnor Hill, celebrated the power of art.

It showcased work produced by residents during regular creative sessions led by Steve Wheeler, founder of Art Creativity Corner.

Mr Wheeler said: “Creativity comes from within every one of us.

“The residents at Chawley Grove have embraced these sessions with such enthusiasm and openness.

“We laugh, we chat, and we encourage one another every step of the way.

“It’s never about producing a perfect picture.

“It’s about the experience of creating something, expressing yourself and enjoying the process.”

Resident Penny Jones, 81, said: “We all have the ability to be creative — sometimes we just need someone to help us find it again.

“Being creative is good for the soul.

“It gives you something positive to focus on, helps you express yourself and brings people together.”

Among those attending the exhibition was Karen Chilton, whose husband Michael lives at the care home.

Mrs Chilton displayed artwork she created through a local art class in Wootton.

She said: “Four years ago we moved here from Leicester, Michael came to live at Chawley Grove, and, in many ways, I found myself having to start again.

“I hadn’t picked up a paintbrush since I was 15, so more than 60 years later I rediscovered a passion I’d completely forgotten about.”