ArtHouse Jersey has added two new charities to its ‘Artist In Residence Programme’.
The initiative, sponsored by Carey Olsen, sees ArtHouse Jersey match talented local artists with local Jersey charities to offer creative activities and inspiration to their clients. Now the mental health charity Mind Jersey and JAAR, a confidential service helping people to recover from the trauma of sexual violence, have been added to benefit from this bespoke artistic support, joining Brighter Futures, and La Passarelle.
The project stems from a recognition that artistic activity enriches our lives in simple yet profound ways. Jersey is blessed with many talented creatives and when selecting artists to act as creative facilitators, ArtHouse Jersey seeks to match an artist’s unique skill set to the particular needs of the partner charity and its clients. Ultimately, these sessions are a chance for people to engage in positive creativity and express themselves. In doing so the project aims to make a positive contribution to each charity’s work and the lives of their clients.
Mind Jersey
Mind Jersey is an independent local charity that provides support to people living with mental illness. Their vision is of a society that promotes and protects good mental health for all, and that treats people with experience of mental illness fairly, positively and with respect. ArtHouse Jersey has paired the charity with local artist Anna Shipley who is running a series of artistic sessions with a focus on sketchbooks, the idea being to create a safe space for clients to engage with the arts and express themselves, while building confidence and self-esteem through art.
Artist Anna Shipley (pictured) said: “I have been working with Mind Jersey to deliver a series of sketchbook workshops this Autumn. A sketchbook can be public or private and is a great way to record ideas and make creative experiments. The sessions have been planned with the ‘Five ways to wellbeing’ in mind, providing time and space to try new art materials and techniques. The small group sessions have been relaxed, productive and welcoming, fuelled by plenty of tea and biscuits whilst we work.
“Through this residency I have had the opportunity to exchange ideas and connect with others as well as share skills and actively encourage new ways of working creatively. I’m excited to see how these introductory sessions might unfold in future projects driven by the participants and Mind Jersey.”
JAAR (Jersey Action Against Rape)
JAAR is an independent and confidential service helping people to recover from the trauma of sexual violence. The charity aims to prevent and heal the trauma of rape and sexual assault. JAAR has a dedicated helpline, website and on site counselling with access to qualified and specially trained counsellors and psychotherapists. The organisation is working to prevent the incidence of rape and sexual assault in Jersey by raising awareness, dispelling the myths surrounding rape and promoting progressive thinking towards survivors of rape and sexual assault.
ArtHouse Jersey has connected clients of JAAR with artist and potter Shelley Godden. Shelley said of the experience “I recently had the pleasure of facilitating a series of workshops for JAAR. These amazing ladies and gents got to experience both wheel throwing and some festive hand building in the form of Christmas decorations.
“I think most of them were surprised at their own intuitive ability to connect with the clay during the session. The healing qualities of clay are often underestimated – the soulful connection between hand and head is truly hypnotic and relaxing. Hopefully being in the Land and Moon Studio gave people a real chance to slow down, connect with their own creativity and take some time just for themselves. I am privileged to have shared lots of laughter as well as discovering some real ceramic talent!”
Siobhan Riley, partner and head of Carey Olsen’s Jersey trusts and private wealth practice, said of supporting the project: “We have been so proud to be the sponsors of ArtHouse Jersey’s current Artist in Residence Programme and have been highly impressed with the work we have seen produced so far. The project continues to make a positive difference to our local community and provides a valuable outlet and resource for important causes within Jersey’s charitable sector such as Mind Jersey and Jersey Action Against Rape.”
