Moving pictures on show at Leek United...
03 June 2019
MOVING pictures that tell stories of bravery, hope and love are the centerpiece of a special art ‘exhibition’ being staged by Leek United Building Society…
The works have all been produced by local children who have complex, life-limiting or life-threatening conditions and their families during art therapy sessions at The Donna Louise Hospice for Children and Young People*.
And for a three-month period, reproductions of many of the originals will be on display at Leek United’s Derby Street Branch in Leek, to help raise awareness of the hospice’s work.
Chris Belyavin, Relationship Manager at The Donna Louise, said: “Art therapy is a key part of the work we do, with the aim of getting children and their families to open up, talk and express themselves.
“The pictures on display have all been produced by children under our care, their siblings, mums, dads, and grandparents. Every single picture has its own story to tell, and represents the journey that many of our children, young people and their families find themselves on.
“We first began the idea of taking this artwork out into the wider community with Leek United three years ago, and we’re delighted that the Society is once again able to host this exhibition at its Derby Street Branch.”
In the last four years, sales of both reproduction and original artworks from The Donna Louise have raised more than £4,000 to support the hospice. Copy prints are available for just £5 and visitors to the Derby Street Branch ‘gallery’ can also make donations to the charity.
Branch Manager Sheila Kirk said: “It’s already been very emotional for us all to see these beautiful pictures and read the stories that come with them.
“We very much hope that customers and other visitors to our Branch will take the time to enjoy the work over the next three months, and we’re sure that they, too, will be equally touched by what they see.”
Leek United staff (from left) Kelly Trask, Sheila Kirk, Steve Edge and Georgia Riley are pictured with the Donna Louise artwork currently on display at the Society’s Leek Derby Street Branch.
