Horndean care home residents team up to create artwork inspired by climate change for The Big Draw Festival

Works of art were created at Care UK’s Pear Tree Court, in Portsmouth Road, Horndean, inspired by this year’s theme, a Climate of Change.

Partnered with Appleby House care home, in Epsom, Pear Tree Court residents worked on their half of the artwork, showing a colourful world not affected by pollution.

Residents at Appleby House worked on the other half, showing what the world could look like if climate change continues to impact the planet at the same rate.

The artwork was then pieced together in order to create the completed picture.

An exclusive live drawing session was also hosted by former Disney illustrator and Big Draw Ambassador Gary Andrews.

Gary shared his tried and tested drawing techniques virtually, and showed residents how to draw some of the world’s endangered animals, including sea turtles, tigers and puffins.

David Taylor, home manager at Pear Tree Court, said: ‘It was wonderful to take part in The Big Draw – everyone had a great time putting their drawing skills to the test.

‘Creative activities play a big part in life here at Pear Tree Court, and we actively encourage residents to continue lifelong arty hobbies and to try new and expressive pastimes.

‘Drawing has a variety of benefits for older people, especially those living with dementia, as it provides an alternative way to communicate and express emotions, and an opportunity to relive happy memories.

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‘It was great to partner with residents at Appleby House for this project. The virtual art class with Gary was also a real highlight for residents. We certainly have some budding artists and we look forward to displaying our works of art around the home.’

Launched in 2000, the month-long Big Draw Festival promotes drawing as a tool for learning, expression and invention, and has encouraged more than four million people to get arty since its inception.

A Climate of Change, this year’s theme, focuses on the relationship between people and their environment.

It offered a great opportunity for older people to reminisce about their favourite nature spots, as well as trips to the great outdoors in younger years, and how the focus on looking after our planet has changed in recent years.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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