Art therapy works on show

More than 150 pieces of art were on display when 18 artists from the community displayed their work alongside paintings, ceramic jewellery and drawings produced by 20 Zion residents.

The residents created the works in regular sessions with specialist art therapists.

Zion resident Irene Kilby moved to Zion about 12 months ago, and was thrilled to have attended her first art show as an exhibitor.

She says her regular group art therapy sessions are good for her sense of wellbeing.

“I think being part of a group (art therapy session) is good because it takes yourself away from yourself and your problems and you’re entering another area where your mind begins to look further and deeper and I think it’s very healing.”

Mrs Kilby has taken to drawing with charcoal and splashing her artwork with bolts of colour to enliven the scenes.

Living in an aged care service, like any life change, requires adjustment and art therapy has helped with that, Mrs Kilby says.

“It helps my brain, stimulates me to not just sit around and not do anything.”

Zion Art Therapist Alison Garton says music, dance and art improves people’s health and wellbeing by offering ways to express themselves, tapping into reminiscence and practicing motor skills.

“It gives people an opportunity to have a voice, because sometimes they are unable to communicate how they are feeling,’’ Ms Garton says.