Oakleigh care home residents’ painting on online art gallery

Paintings created by residents from Oakleigh care home in Godstone are showcasing online as part of National Day of Arts in Care Homes today.

Two older people from Anchor’s Oakleigh in Evelyn Gardens were thrilled to be told their artwork had been selected for the online gallery which is focusing on how arts has been used to keep care settings connected during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The artwork created by Gwendoline Sneezum, 97, and John Kollias, 78, was chosen to be featured on Anchor’s and the Art in Care Homes Day websites.

Gwendoline, who has lived at Oakleigh for five years, said: “It’s the first time my artwork has ever been displayed publicly so I feel flattered that my painting has been selected.

“I’ve been painting for more than 10 years but only started to get back into it as my care home has a weekly art class which has helped improve my technique. I enjoy painting because it lets me be free and creative with my ideas.”

Fellow resident John added that he was thrilled others could enjoy his work online, but this wasn’t the first time his work had been displayed.

He said: “I’ve always liked painting, especially painting by the sea in Greece when I was a child. My mother was so proud of my paintings that she used to display them in the house for friends and family to admire!”

Residents and staff from the home took part in the national celebration day by organising a variety of activities, including an art painting competition with the theme being whatever has helped the residents get through the Covid-19 lockdown. 

They joined more than 30 of Anchor’s care homes across England for an art-themed quiz on Zoom as part of the day so that residents in the homes around the country could compete against each other.

There was also a live Indian dancing demonstration broadcast to the care homes online as part of the day. Residents were encouraged to take part in the chair-based dance exercises run by Bisakha Sarker, Chaturangan’s the artistic director, who was awarded an MBE in 2014 for services to Indian dance. 

Diane Armstrong, Anchor’s Wellness Advisor, said: “We are so happy to take part in the National Day of Arts in Care Homes as it builds on the many creative activities we already organise in our 114 care homes across England. 

“Art is a wonderful way for residents to express their feelings, show off their artistic flare and for others to appreciate the talents of the older people living in our care homes.”

The online gallery of older people’s artwork can be viewed here:

For more information on Oakleigh, contact 0800 731 2020.