Haywards Heath Town Council launches virtual art project for care homes during coronavirus crisis

It is the brainchild of councillor Sandy Ellis, who has enjoyed organising art projects and competitions with care and nursing homes residents for a number of years now.

Sandy wants to continue this through this challenging time through a virtual gallery to be displayed for everyone to enjoy and has announced the theme this year as ‘Over the Rainbow’.

She said: “Pictures of rainbows have been appearing all over the country as messages of positivity to show support for our wonderful NHS, key and support workers and volunteers during the coronavirus pandemic.

“A rainbow also features most famously in the Wizard of Oz, with Judy Garland performing one of the most well-known songs in the world: Somewhere Over the Rainbow.

“I thought it would be a fantastic theme for this year’s Care Homes Art Project in Haywards Heath as the film is also celebrating its 80 th anniversary this year.

“Art is such a wonderful way to connect communities and to share memories or express feelings.

“It is also well known that art and creative expression can help people improve their mental and emotional health and wellbeing and I feel that this is really important right now.”

She continued: “We invite all of our care and nursing homes to take part in this year’s project – Over the Rainbow – to share their memories of the film, the song, the characters or simply the wonderful rainbow theme.”

“Haywards Heath Town Council will be delighted to showcase the artwork in a virtual art gallery for everyone to see to continue the positive message these rainbows have become and to relive the wonderful Wizard of Oz as it celebrates its 80 th anniversary.”

Care homes are asked to submit their art project entries electronically by email to [email protected], together with the name of the care home or nursing home and contact details of the project leader.