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Exhibition an arty success for hospice

Visitors enjoyed a free art exhibition and meet the artist workshop at Compton Hospice's Woods therapy centre on Saturday, 14th January.

The open afternoon was a celebration of how art can be used in healthcare as a form of therapy.

The event included work from hospice patients and their relatives, and incorporated a touring sculpture exhibition by Coventry-based artist Jean Parker entitled 'Bald Statements' with a talk by the artist herself.

Jean, an accomplished sculptor who studied at Coventry University, used her artistic talent to express the emotional journey she undertook during her own illness.

The resulting clay and alabaster sculptures are loaned to organisations across the UK by Westhill Endowment Trust and have been used as educational and therapeutic tools to help people talk about and understand the powerful emotions associated with illness, loss and grief.

Ruth Owen, a social worker at Compton Hospice who arranged the exhibition said: “We include art in lots of ways at the hospice to help people express their thoughts and feelings, and these sculptures are amazing pieces that can help us initiate discussions with staff and patients alike.

“There are some very powerful statues portraying emotions such as anger and depression, as well as healing and peace, and can trigger strong emotions.  But because they are thought-provoking, they can stimulate some open and frank conversations that patients can find very therapeutic.

"We were absolutely thrilled that Jean could make it here for our open afternoon to talk about her work.  She is a truly inspirational and gifted lady."

Two cellists from the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Ian Bracken and Alexander Holladay, provided the perfect background music to the event and hospice staff served afternoon tea.

Photos of the event can be found on the hospice Facebook page here.

If you have any further questions about Compton Hospice and General, please call 0845 225 5497 or contact us. We will do our utmost to help with your enquiry.

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