For Mike, his art sessions consisted of drawing characters he loved, pictures he liked...alone. But as award-winning Support Worker Katie shares, there was one session that made all the difference.
For several years, Mike had been regularly attending an art session at his local neighbourhood centre in Leicestershire. Here, he would sit down alone, picking up pencil by pencil to draw characters he loved and pictures that took his fancy. Whilst others took part in sessions to learn, Mike was content with being alone; choosing to rarely get involved with the rest of the class.
For Mike, this was enough. However, this particular day was different. After gentle encouragement from staff supporting him and Pete the art tutor, Mike found himself getting involved with a collaborative piece of art.
After some time, all the individual pieces of art completed by the students were collected into a large collage for the group to assess. At once, this piqued Mike's interest. Without hesitation, he got up to take a look at all of the contributions displayed together.
Katie, who was supporting Mike in the session shared:
"Pete asked if any of the art students wished to change any of the separate pictures, to make other picture combinations. One of the other students began to make their changes. Mike commented, "that one is now upside down". I explained to Mike that they were creating another pattern."
Once again, this grabbed Mike's attention. Watching closely, Mike saw the student begin to create a new pattern; carefully placing selected pieces of art together, in the bid to create a stunning new piece.
But it wasn't long before the student began to hesitate, unsure of how to finish their piece. After observing the students attempt, Mike promptly sat down in front of the piece and helped the student to complete the second collage, to form a fantastic pattern.
Speaking about Mike's reaction, Katie said:
"Mike participating and getting involved with his fellow students and his ability to form a pattern within a pattern, is an outstanding achievement. Myself and Mike were equally as proud of his contribution!"
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