11/04/2022
Our Adult Day Care Services Team is delighted to host a Patterns of Life Exhibition of Art by local artist Nigel Ferguson from Omagh at Omagh Library from 04 April to 15 April 2022. The exhibition will then move to the Staff Dining Area at the Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital from 03 May to 27 May 2022 and everyone is welcome to come along and view this beautiful art work.
Brendan O’Neill, Art Therapist at the Western Trust explains:
“Art Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses art media as its mode of communication, giving expression to those who have difficulty in talking about their thoughts, feelings and issues. It differs from other psychological therapies in that it is a three way process between the client, the therapist and the artwork.
Clients who are referred to Art Therapy do not need to possess any previous experience in art making. Aesthetics and diagnostic assessment are not the primary concerns of the Art Therapist, but rather the aim of the practitioner is to effect change and growth on a personal level through the use of art materials.”
“I am extremely proud and delighted that Nigel has been able to exhibit his images at the Omagh Library this month. Since his first Art Therapy session back in March 2014, the change and growth with Nigel has been apparent. When he first attended Rowan Villa, an Adult Day Care Facility attached to the Tyrone & Fermanagh Hospital, he was coming from a place of isolation and lacked confidence. Exploring his inner world through imagery encouraged Nigel to reach out to the world around him. In doing so he has built new friendships and developed new interests. This change and growth also saw his artwork evolve into a style that is individual to Nigel. The work you see on display is the result of a lot of experimentation and refinement by Nigel, as his fascination with black and white patterns took him on a journey of discovery.”
“Art Therapy works best when it gives shape and a voice to that inner world of trauma and fear. However, when the creative process spills beyond the process and the therapy room itself, then that should be embraced and celebrated. I applaud Nigel’s commitment and vision in making this exhibition a reality. I hope like I, and the fellow client users and staff of Rowan Villa, that you appreciate and enjoy Nigel’s artwork and celebrate his success. Well done Nigel and I wish you every success for the future.”
Visit our Learning Disability Hub for all the latest Learning Disability news and upcoming events.