On Wednesday 3rd October, the Hollingdean Craftea Wednesdays group held an event to celebrate the unveiling of the community mosaic they had been working on.
Under the theme of Brighton, the group produced a piece of art to celebrate creativity and friendship. The piece depicted the view of the South Downs from the back of Lindfield Court, a sheltered housing project where many of the Craftea Wednesdays member live.
The group meets once a week and provides a friendly, sociable space for people to work on their own crafts or to get involved in a group project. The group is open to residents of Lindfield Court as well as non-residents and aims to reduce isolation. TDC’s Community Development Worker for Hollingdean, Ceza Da Luz, has been working with the group since May this year as part of his stream of work with Older People and helped promote the event to the public as part of the Brighton & Hove Older People’s Festival. Ceza also works with the local Laburnum Art group, based nearby, and helped arrange a showcase of work from the art group at the event.
Ceza said “From my perspective, I was aware that Sheltered Housing were keen to invite non-residents in to their schemes (including from other sheltered accommodation near to Lindfield Court) – although were not clear how to do it. I also wanted to create a link between both groups which existed at a very short physical distance but did not know about each other. Both groups have separate activities but all aim to reduce isolation. So the idea of having an unveiling (made by MOSAIC Craftea Wednesdays was working on) and a showcase of Laburnum art Group’ artwork came together.”
Holding an event for the Older People’s Festival provided a perfect opportunity and both groups were very happy with the result. Afternoon tea, cakes and scones were served and the grand unveiling was made by a member of The Paley Trust who have supported the group with a £500 grants for materials. Attendees could view a selection of artwork and mosaics by the two groups as well as having the chance to socialise with friends old and new.
