An exhibition showcasing the talents of Suffolk artists takes place next Saturday (28 June).
Organised in support of Shaftesbury Icanho specialist neurorehabilitation centre, it celebrates local creativity and community spirit.
The exhibition runs from 10am to 3pm at Shaftesbury Icanho, Chilton Way, Stowmarket.
The late Leslie Welham, one of the artists whose work will be on display, has a personal connection to Shaftesbury Icanho through his grand-daughter Chantel Smallwood, who works at the centre.
Leslie was born in Ipswich and retired back to Suffolk after 42 years’ service in the army. In retirement, Leslie and his wife Betty spent many days travelling around Suffolk, with Leslie bringing his paints and brushes to capture the area’s landscapes and buildings.
Chantelle has donated many of her grandfather’s paintings to Shaftesbury Icanho. She said: ‘It’s a pleasure for our family to donate my grandfather’s paintings. Working alongside the team, seeing what great work they do and the difference they make to people’s lives, I know my grandfather would be proud and honoured to help with such a great cause.’
The event was set up by the Shaftesbury Icanho’s Friends Group – a collective of volunteers who give their time and effort in support of the centre.
Les Finch, from the Friends Group, said: ‘After my wife’s stroke 20 months ago, she was referred to Shaftesbury Icanho by the lead physiotherapist treating her. It was to be a very important decision in my wife’s recovery. The staff were and are excellent, to such an extent that anyone meeting my wife at Shaftesbury Icanho thinks she is a carer, not a patient.
‘When a Friends Group was suggested, we both wanted to support for the help we had received and pass it along.
‘I am part of an art group, so when I found out Shaftesbury Icanho had 90 paintings, I suggested a semi-permanent art exhibition – a whole day to start, and some paintings left up afterwards, so patients, carers, staff, or the public could purchase a painting to help support.’
Shaftesbury Icanho service manager Jo Marshall said: ‘Alongside the beautiful display of art for sale, it’s also an opportunity to see inside our purpose-built rehabilitation centre, which is rarely open to the public, and learn how donations from events such as this can help support the specialist services we provide.’
Tea, coffee and cake will be available on the day, as well as the original paintings for sale and a raffle with chance to win a framed painting.