People who draw on support at the Learning Centre in Warrington create some beautiful pieces of art and we display and enjoy them here.
Using art to connect
But we wanted to think about how we could “look out not in” and maybe use them to connect better with people in our neighbourhood.
We also wanted people to feel good about what they create and proud of themselves, not just create but create with a purpose.
Finding our local artists
We know it’s not just people who come to the learning centre who are artistic and we wanted to give people the chance to showcase their work – our staff and people who connect to MacIntyre as volunteers and through Great Communities as well.
Community Space
The Gateway in Warrington is a community space used by a number of different organisations. There’s a big empty space and we asked if they would be interested in brightening it up with some art work. They were really pleased and offered us the space for 2 weeks.
We wanted the space to reflect the different talents and interests of people who connect with MacIntyre. People who use textiles, write poetry, draw, paint and create ceramics. People who are interested in nature, comics and popular culture, spirituality, people, local events and want to celebrate each other. The result is amazing!
Celebrating our creativity
We have felt great to have the chance to celebrate the hard work, skill and creativity. People have come into the learning centre and said that they have seen the exhibition and how impressed they have been. We feel like we have made a difference to people in that space. It’s really got our name out and we are hoping that we can display in other areas in the town.
It was nice to see my work and I want to do more at sewing sessions with animals with glasses - but animals don't really wear glasses.
Lesley - supported by MacIntyre
The volunteers from New Routes garden came along. and they were amazed at the talent we have in Warrington. We also had two people come into the Learning Centre to say they had seen the display and how lovely it was to see all the work. We hope we can sell some of the pottery.
Joanna, Learning Centre Manager
I have never seen Ollie so focused and excited. He’s not just been doing some art, he’s created an exhibition piece and he’s proud of it.
Family member
What a fantastic afternoon for the launch and great to see so many people come together to support the exhibition on the day. It was also wonderful to see the pride of the exhibitors seeing their work on display and see them chat to people who came to see the work. Will was inspired by Paul Payne to do a wall wrap of the garden gang and everyone felt really great to see themselves on it. The feedback from everyone who has seen the exhibition has been really positive and really showcases the talents of so many people connected to Macintyre in the Warrington community.
Pete - Great Communities Manager
Everyone Everywhere is weekly
The Everyone Everywhere stories are weekly. If you have missed one, please check them out. You can find them here. Lots of inspirational ideas for making connections!
