The Chippenham Art Group meets monthly on Wednesdays in King Alfred Hall, St Andrew’s Church in Chippenham Market Place. It’s led by artist Fran Young and organised by our experienced community services coordinator Pam Ollis.
Our art groups are friendly, relaxing, therapeutic and fun. People living with dementia and a family carer create their own art projects under Fran’s guidance with projects ranging from painting and drawing to collage, printing, crafts, clay modelling and more. We work at a leisurely pace with plenty of time for conversation and connection. No previous experience of art is necessary and everyone works at their own pace. People can also work on their own projects and develop their own ideas.
Family carers are welcome at the group as full members and encouraged to join in to create their own pieces of art. Trained volunteers are on hand to lend support as needed. If you’d like to volunteer at the group, please call Annie Clayton on 01986 624005 or email Annie.
If you’d like to come along as a group member, or for more information, please call Pam on 01380 739055, or book your place on the Alzheimers Support website.
This group is kindly part-funded by Chippenham Borough Lands Charity. Please note, to help towards our costs and materials we ask everyone to pay £4 ‘on the door’.
Group organiser Pam Ollis, said: “People love coming along and it is so good to see everyone try new things. Art is so beneficial for people affected by dementia.
“The art groups are so valued by the people who come along. There is such a great camaraderie in the group with everyone working alongside each other at their own pace, being creative together, chatting a bit. Sometimes we all burst into song! It’s a lovely atmosphere.
“Working with colour and texture can be so important for people living with dementia, and it’s relaxing for carers too to have a break from the day to day tasks and focus on something creative. We aren’t looking for masterpieces, but people get a real sense of achievement from what they have created.”
