Art in the Park: Grace Trust Jersey’s first art exhibition

Grace Trust Jersey is to hold its first art exhibition showcasing the works of local ‘Art in the Park’ artists this June, sponsored by Carey Olsen.

From Sunday 23 to Saturday 29 June, JARO Gallery at 1 York Street, St Helier, will display the artwork of more than 20 islanders who have taken part in Grace Trust Jersey’s Art in the Park initiative since it began in 2008.

Grace Trust is a registered Jersey charity which was established in 1999 to help marginalised islanders to express themselves and make new connections. Art in the Park is a weekly term-time meet-up which brings together those supported by the charity to take part in communal drawing, painting or craftwork sessions in All Saints Hall or in an outdoor space during the summer. Artwork produced during the sessions has previously entered the Jersey Eisteddfod, but this will be the first time participants’ work is exhibited in a gallery.

Vini Jones, general manager of Grace Trust, said: “Art in the Park is and has always been a welcoming and inclusive space, allowing islanders to learn new skills, form connections and foster a sense of belonging which may be absent from other areas of their lives. We are delighted to be holding our first exhibition, which will provide a unique opportunity for artists to present their work within a peaceful gallery setting.”

Victoria Connolly, Carey Olsen counsel and chair of the Jersey Charities Committee, commented: “We are proud to support Grace Trust Jersey on its one-off exhibition of local artists’ works this summer. Grace Trust is an incredible charity and amongst its many activities and projects, Art in the Park has a strong community spirit and creates a space for participants to creatively express themselves and develop their artistic talents. I very much look forward to attending the exhibition next month and talking to the artists about their work.”