George Parker displays his first place artwork.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would ever be able to paint.”
George Parker is among a group of service users at Wilson House in Broughshane who have found their inner artist thanks to accredited classes offered through the Northern Regional College.
Led by local artist Bertie Pennie and with support from Northern Trust staff, the partnership has proven to be hugely successful.
George was among the winners at this year’s Ballymena Show, taking first prize in his category for an intricate painting of an RH Robinson-branded articulated lorry.
Reflecting on his success, he said:
“I would have to start by saying that I am colour blind so never in my wildest dreams did I think I would ever be able to paint. With the guidance and support I have learnt many new skills, and was both surprised and delighted to win first prize this year.
“This is a great group to be part of. We have all become good friends and have a good carry-on every day. I can’t imagine not being at Wilson House. It helps me cope with many other aspects of my life and I thoroughly appreciate everything.”
Award
George was one of a number of service users whose work caught the eyes of the show judges, and Wilson House was very proud to retain the Ballymena Medical Supplies Award at the show, reflecting the high quality of its entries.
Georgina Robinson who won a first place prize.
These included a knitted masterpiece by the ‘Nifty Knitters’ which captured some of Broughshane’s well-known buildings, complete with the distinctive roof of The Thatch Inn.
For Georgina Robinson, the area’s most recognisable landmark secured her a first place in the crafts category, thanks to her beautiful take on Slemish mountain:
“I count the days until I return to Wilson House and my art class each week. I never thought I would be able to do any of it as I am partially sighted.
“I find it challenges me and keeps my brain active. As a matter of fact sometimes the staff have trouble keeping up with me! This is my take on Slemish, made by bleeding tissue paper with PVA glue and water, and outlined with a hot-glue gun.”
Participation
Reflecting on her participation in the classes, Molly Kennedy, said:
“Quite simply I just love everything about the art group and Wilson House. It’s wonderful that we can do something like this at the day centre. I never ever thought at my age I would be enrolling on a college course, and definitely not an art one.
When I look at some of my work I can hardly believe I’ve done it. You can only imagine how amazed I am to have won prizes at Ballymena Show. We have so much fun every day that I go home with my spirits lifted.”
Isobel McNeill’s entry which won third prize.
These sentiments are shared by Isobel McNeill. She said:
“I have always found drawing and painting to be very relaxing and enjoyable. I really appreciate the support I get from the art group. It gives me confidence and that extra little push when I need it. There is always plenty of chat and good craic in the group and I leave with a smile on my face.”
Highly commended prize winner Tommy Foster, who has vascular dementia, said the support provided by the group is invaluable:
“The things I do at Wilson House keep my brain active and working. I have to say if it wasn’t for Wilson House and the art group I would be able for nothing.
Tommy Foster with his beautiful painting.
“We all have our problems and challenges, but we share these and help and support each other through them.
“Bertie is a brilliant teacher and we would be completely lost without him. All the staff are great, the craic is mighty and the company good.”
Isabella Henry who took second place in the craft section.
Billy McKeown with his artworks.
Some of the fantastic artwork on display
