Snapper with dementia launches first exhibition
HE MAY be living with dementia and impaired vision, but renowned wildlife and landscape photographer Gerard Connelly is launching his very first exhibition in Ayr.
Featuring 32 original pieces of photography, Gerard’s work captures the beauty of the local environment in and around Dailly and Girvan.
Gerard, 69, lives at Heathfield House Nursing Home in Ayr – and despite his health conditions, he finds great joy in sharing his art with the world.
This collaboration between Heathfield House and Narture CIC, a social enterprise committed to promoting the arts within the community, highlights Gerard’s unique talent.
‘You Can See And I Can Remember’ will open on Tuesday, March 26, at Narture’s newest venue/ café SHAPE in the town’s Newmarket Street – originally home to Ayr’s first public library.
Tracy Kearman, the new manager at Heathfield House, believes in enriching residents’ lives by celebrating their past experiences.
Tracy said: “I really believe that life shouldn’t stop for residents when they enter the care home. The care home should enrich and celebrate the lives they lived before they came here.
“Ged, as he is affectionally known, is thrilled to have an art exhibition in his name, one which we hope will open up an infinite amount of new opportunities on his life’s journey.
“I hope this is the beginning of many more joint ventures with
Heathfield House and the local community.”
Andy Jamieson, the managing director of Enhance Healthcare Ltd, who took over Heathfield and other Ayrshire care homes in December last year, said: “Our aim is to provide person-centered care in a home from home environment, supporting each individual resident to maximize their independence and wellbeing.
“This exhibition marks the first collaboration between Heathfield House and Nature, showcasing another way in which care homes and local enterprises can work together to celebrate and enhance the lives of residents.
“We invite you to join us in celebrating Gerard’s work and the collaborative spirit that has made this event possible.”
Nature CIC, known for their sourdough bakery in Cathcart Street and artisan café in the nearby Sandgate, said they were thrilled to support Gerard’s exhibition as part of their mission to empower individuals through creativity.
Founded in 2020, Nature CIC revitalizes town centre spaces for cultural and creative purposes, fostering a sense of community and well-being.
Co-founder Saskia Singer said: “We work to the principle that everyone is an artist, and are over the moon to celebrate Gerard’s talents and support his artistic journey.
“We can’t wait to welcome people into the new space to experience his captivating work and join our vibrant community in championing the transformative power of creativity.”