Talented artists helped Norwood to raise over £13,000 at the Charity’s inaugural art show on Tuesday evening. Seventy works of art were snapped up at the private viewing at the Centro Bar in Camden, which was attended by 150 guests.
The original artworks were created by over 50 people who live at Ravenswood, Norwood’s residential community for adults with learning disabilities in Berkshire. Some of the artists attended the show and the proceeds from the sale of the work will be used to help fund future art classes and other innovative activities at Ravenswood. The event was made possible by generous donors who provided the food, venue and other services at no charge.
Caroline Arnold, who volunteers at the art classes at Ravenswood, was the driving force behind the event. She first got involved with Norwood when she took part in the Charity’s international bike ride in Vietnam and Cambodia in 2007. Since then she has volunteered at the Art Studio at Ravenswood, supporting the artists to work with a range of different materials.
Caroline said: “The work is outstanding and the event was borne out of a desire to showcase the many talents of artists at Ravenswood. For many of the people whose art is exhibited here, working and concentrating for any period of time is extremely difficult, so it is a tribute both to the artists and staff at Ravenswood that we have been able to produce an exhibition of such high quality work. The artists have learnt to express themselves creatively and develop their own unique styles and it’s a wonderful opportunity for them to celebrate their talent.”
One of the artists who attended was Kirsty Regan, whose mosaic and weaving work was on display. Kirsty told guests how the bird bath she had made last term was admired by the Queen when she visited Ravenswood. She also said she loves making things and giving them as presents, and thanked everyone whose generous support makes the art classes possible.
Kirsty’s parents also attended the show. Speaking at the event, her mother Pat said: “The art classes give Kirsty a chance to express herself creatively and the range of activities at Ravenswood give her the opportunity to reach her potential. My only complaint is that there are not more services like it around the country. Your support makes a big difference to this wonderful charity.”
Norwood’s Events Fundraiser Gemma Wolfson said: “It was an incredible evening, and far surpassed our expectations. Paintings were literally flying off the walls, and we couldn’t wrap them quickly enough, which is testament to how amazing the artwork was. We were thrilled by how much money was raised, and we’d like to thank the artists and all of our generous sponsors who made the evening possible, including the Centro Bar, Gourmet Girls, Blossom Hill, the Design House, and the Halcyon Gallery.”
