Artistic collaboration between Hazeledene Family Centre and Elderly residents of Mearnskirk House

Hazeldene Family Centre has long standing links with the elderly residents of Mearnskirk Care Home. A visit by the children to the home’s art studio at Christmas inspired nursery staff and Art in the Hospital artist to create an opportunity for collaboration on a much deeper level.

From February 23 to March 2016 the Art in Hospital artists and Hazeldene nursery staff planned a series of workshops where care home art class regulars joined with 10 children to produce drawings, paintings and prints using an array of exciting materials.

The sessions simply started with nursery staff reading from children’s story books to help everyone relax with the artists introducing increasingly sophisticated techniques over time.

This collaboration was a great success. The children were excited to visit the art studio every week and the residents thoroughly enjoyed engaging with them in the creative process. Artists report this experience brought fresh energy to the art studio. Nursery staff and parents commented on the children’s enthusiasm to learn new techniques and work with the older generation.

The fruit of this fantastic five week artistic collaboration was an awesome art exhibition which went on display in Mearns Community Library from 21 May – 24 June 2016. The launch at the library was a lovely event which the children attended with their families and elderly residents attended with Art In Hospital artists and family members, to celebrate this special community link.

We are currently investigating funding opportunities to continue and further develop this intergenerational project.