Bluecoat Display Centre: Journeys In Mind

This exhibition explores experiences of mental health and the mind from the perspective of designer-makers and how their personal journeys may develop their works.  This could be through events which they have encountered personally, or experiences of teaching, working or living with others effected. Throughout history, art works by artists such as Van Gogh have been informed by mental health struggles. Exhibited makers for this show are invited to explore how they felt when making the works, to share their experiences and begin to dispel the taboo nature of this subject.

Exhibited artists include Gill Curry, Sue Gregor, Jo Heckett, Harriet Rose Knight, Tabitha Moses, Charlie Manthorp, Julia Rushworth & Sarah Hitchens.

This show will reveal the positives to come from people’s experiences as they grow and develop from what has happened in their lives. Craft will be shown to have empowered makers at times of difficulty, offering meaning to their lives and benefits to their overall wellbeing.

Bluecoat Display Centre is a registered charity and for the past few years has been running a series of outreach workshops for local mental health groups. Talented local artists have been teaching group members different craft techniques, giving them unique and illuminating experiences. The exhibition reinforces the fact that mental health is at the centre of our work.