Talent is revealed
A Mana Recovery training scheme encouraging members to express themselves artistically will culminate in an exhibition next week.
One day a week since October, volunteers to the organisation’s horticulture training unit, Vailima, have been under the tutelage of supervisor Dusty Hindle for the Colours programme. They have been encouraged to use different mediums and methods to create works of art.
‘‘Our trainees (many of whom have mental health issues) learn things like shopping and banking, everyday life stuff, so doing art has been an amazing chance for them to learn another skill and something about themselves,’’ says Ms Hindle.
‘‘Doing art is not for everyone but the guys that have stuck at it have produced some stunning works, they could do this for a fulltime career.’’
Aside from the paint, all the boards, canvases and frames have been recycled from Trash Palace. A grant from the Creative Communities scheme helps pay for other materials.
Trainee Craig Williams shocked himself with his efforts.
‘‘It’s fun and makes me feel happy, I loved learning a new skill,’’ he said.
Charlotte Wordsworth, meanwhile, said completing a painting gave her ‘‘ a sense of real accomplishment’’.
The exhibition and sale will see 100 works by 20 fledgling artists up for grabs, mostly acrylic and pastel paintings.
It is on next Tuesday, May 29, from 5pm to 7.30pm at Mana Recovery, 3 Hall Rd, in the old Porirua Hospital grounds.
‘‘People should come for a look – we’ve been realistic with prices and plenty of these pieces would not look out of place on a living room or lounge wall,’’ Ms Hindle said.