From 5th August until 2nd September Wells Cathedral will be hosting an exciting exhibition of contemporary art organised by Wells Art Contemporary (WAC).

In addition to the Gallery Show of approximately 125 shortlisted artworks in the Cathedral cloisters, WAC is also proud to be unveiling the Installation Show. This comprises a collection of approximately thirty site-specific installations located throughout the Cathedral and gardens, which this year includes four community installation artworks.

“Wells Art Contemporary has a twin rationale,” says Paddy O’Hagan, WAC Chair.

“To support and inspire artists and also to engage with the community. Studies show that both making and experiencing art has a part to play in improving the quality of life for individuals and communities. Over the years we have collaborated with charities and groups that use expression through art to help support wellbeing and mental health.”

WAC is working with three local groups: Heads Up, the Wells based charity which provides activity-based learning and development for adults who are affected by mental health issues; The Lawrence Centre, a day-care centre for the elderly in Wells, and Creativity Works in Radstock, whose informal community social group, Thursday Threads, focuses on mental wellbeing through textiles.

All three groups have been holding regular sessions to create artwork for the exhibition. The Heads Up project is a collaboration between WAC, Somerset Arts Week and the Wells & Mendip Museum.

The piece takes its inspiration from elements of the Museum’s handling collection, including the late-1700s porcelain discovered in its garden, Bronze Age beakers and a collection of handstitched samplers.

The project is led by potter and co-founder of Heads Up, Sally Dempsey, and Jade Ogden from The Handloom Room. “Having access to the arts and craft is hugely important,” says Jade. “It provides the opportunity to channel your energy into something of which you can be proud. It is uplifting when you surprise yourself with abilities you didn't know you had.”

The Lawrence Centre installation comprises individually made and decorated papier-mâché Greek Vases, along with an additional large urn for the public to decorate during the exhibition. “Each vase reflects the uniqueness of each person, everyone with special character, shape, and gifts,” explains project curator Rev'd Gill Sakakini, a Pioneer Priest in the Arts in the diocese of Bath and Wells. “The name of the project is Jars of Joy, because those who have been involved in making them have poured themselves into the process and enjoyed the interaction.”

The Thursday Threads group is creating a rainbow Archway of Hope. The freestanding arch will display a group cloth, with contributions hand stitched by everyone to symbolise the ways members are supportive of each other. Thursday Threads is led by art psychotherapist, Samantha Hickman. “People took their cloths home to work on, this meant that between the sessions they had a connection with the group, which is a safe space for them. All that meaning is coming through in the group cloth.” Visitors to the exhibition will then be invited to tie coloured rags to the frame to create a rainbow.

June MacFarlane, WAC Community Projects Co-ordinator has been regularly visiting the different sessions. “I am overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and passion of everyone involved,” she says. “I want the groups to feel that their work deserves to be showcased alongside the main contenders so we will be positioning each one to ensure they fit seamlessly within the exhibition.”

For the fourth community project, WAC is also delighted to announce a collaboration with Outside In, the national charity that provides a platform for artists who encounter significant barriers to the art world due to health, disability, social circumstance, or isolation.

The charity has selected The Sprinter, a work by artist James Lake, to be included. James lost his right leg to bone cancer at age seventeen and for the last twenty years has been working as an artist predominately in the medium of cardboard. “As an artist with a disability, I realised early in my career that I wanted to develop a process that was inclusive to myself and others,” explains James.

“I believe in art for all, art beyond race, gender, age, ability, and disability. Working with cardboard has always been about creating and supporting a level playing field for the arts.”

“All our community projects show how art can be a powerful emotional release,” says Paddy. “Visitors to the WAC exhibition are in for a real treat.”

For more information on the exhibition and the Community Projects visit www.wellsartcontemporary.co.uk and on Instagram: 
@waccommunity