Seaham Hall partners with local disability support
organisation to host a unique art exhibition
See Holder House’s ‘Our Awesome Coastline’ display, created by its clients with learning
difficulties and disabilities, at Durham’s iconic hotel from 1 – 25 October
30 September 2019
In collaboration with Holder House CIC – a not-for-profit organisation that supports those with learning difficulties and disabilities throughout South Tyneside – Seaham Hall is hosting a special exhibition to celebrate the artwork of the organisation’s clients as part of the Creative Cabin Project, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund (1 – 25 October).
Named ‘Our Awesome Coastline’, the artwork is inspired by the North East’s beautiful beaches and provides a unique insight into ‘individual perceptions of the world, expressed in remarkable and beautiful ways’.
Along with the artist-client landscapes, the display will also feature pieces created by professional artists, including Julie Anne Parsons (Seaham Hall’s Art Curator and Holder House Project Manager), Anne Curtis (Creative Practitioner) and Keith Murdoch (Patron of the Project).
In preparation for the project, Holder House’s clients visited the local coastline. Commenting on the experience, Julie Anne Parsons says: “Experiencing the beaches first-hand was an important part of gaining inspiration. During the day they filled their memories with distinct images and experienced the feeling of sand beneath their feet and the refreshing sea breeze.
“They then sketched, took photos and enjoyed fish and chips before transferring their experience onto paper through paint, pastel and sketches. This project has resulted in a truly unique and honest representation of their love of our awesome coastline.”
The project’s aim was to explore new themes and introduce their clients to a breadth of techniques. The clients include Anita Arnott, Darrin Gibbons, Meryl Bradshaw, Stephen Hogg, Paul Maidment, Jacqueline Hearn and Toni Leigh Dixon.
Julie Anne Parsons will also be showing her new work, which is beach and water-themed, with specific reference to reflections, as part of the exhibition. “I also address human synergy with water, how our bodies are made of over 70% water, and its healing properties,” Julie Anne adds.
The exhibition will be displayed in Seaham Hall’s historic ballroom. Speaking about the installation, Seaham Hall’s General Manager, Nathan White says: “We are honoured to be working with such a fantastic organisation that does incredible work with its clients, helping them to engage in meaningful activities, like art, that support their personal development. We hope that many people will come to Seaham Hall during October to show their support.
“We are always seeking new ways in which we can work with our local community and we hope that this exhibition paves the way for many more similar collaborations in the future,” concludes Nathan White.
All the artist’s work is for sale, with any profit made going back into the Creative Cabin Project to support its continuing success.
To find out more about Seaham Hall, the art exhibition or Holder House CIC, please visit www.seaham-hall.co.uk and www.holderhouse.co.uk.