The Princeton View Art Exhibition

The official Princeton View art group started about a year ago when a special resident arrived through the doors with armfuls of colourful paintings, this lady went by the name of Cath.

It was quickly noted that Cath possessed a talent for abstract art; she expressed an interest in continuing to explore her artistic interests at Princeton View.

A quick whip around the facility produced a large group of enthusiastic artists all vying to participate in an art group of sorts.  The group consisted of some artists in the making, some established artists famous in their own rights and others who last recalled holding a brush back in their school days. 

The group were invited to come together on a Monday afternoon, explore their creativity, enjoy a cup of tea and a good chat.

The art group is very much resident focused and driven with staff offering assistance, encouragement and support, the residents are encouraged to explore creativity, self-expression and reminiscence through the use of art mediums as well as exploring the theory of art and the history of art through all ages.

The group took off with guns blazing; it started to attract more participants, particularly those who were new to art. This is down to the support and encouragement of the entire group.

To complement the art group, the residents have enjoyed a number of outings to local galleries including the Gallery@BACC  (Bayside Arts & Cultural Centre) where they had the opportunity to attend the ‘Connections, Art and Dementia Program’ with the results highlighted in an article published in CIVIC magazine.

The ultimate goal of the group was to display their art in an exhibition of their own. 

The art exhibition date was set for the 23^rd of July with two showings, one at 2pm for residents and families and a 6:30pm showing for the Princeton View and Allity service providers, referrers and the local community.

The art on display was varied, with something to appeal to everyone’s taste. Fine art, abstract art, colour in art, free style art, and mediums including ink, glue, water colour, acrylic and more were used to produce some outstanding pieces. A number of residents were once artists and no longer paint but generously agreed to display their work for one night only. 

Aside from a wide range of art on display, the 6:30pm showing was a glamorous affair, cocktail party was the theme and ‘String Fever’ entertained with cello & violin. Wine and champagne flowed, canapés were served to guests, and the night was one of sophistication and glamour.

Some of the works of art along with post cards, greeting cards and books were available for guests to purchase.  

Princeton View is understandably proud of the talent that lies inside of their home; an opportunity to show this off was a natural choice.