Broadford exhibition showcases creativity of dementia group

By Jamie McDonald

Artwork created by members of a special community arts group was on display at Blank Canvas (Love From Skye) in Broadford this week.

The exhibition featured work produced by participants in a group organised by Rag Tag n Textile in collaboration with Alzheimer Scotland. Most of the artists involved live with dementia.

“People just need to talk. Having company and a great sense of humour is what keeps us going.”

The group has been meeting across Skye, Lochalsh and Raasay for 10 months drawing inspiration from the island landscape while creating a range of textile and visual art pieces.

Work on display included wet felting, weaving, lino cutting, and marbling, alongside more traditional drawing and painting. Organisers said the sessions were designed to encourage creativity, create connections and foster confidence.

The exhibition was well attended, with visitors gathering to view the finished artwork and celebrate the achievements of the group.

Artist Gill Fenner with her work

Artist Gill Fenner, who lives with dementia, shared her perspective on the project:
“I almost can’t recognise the work as ours. There are lots of us that didn’t think that we could do any of this sort of artwork. Sarah took us through so many things. I didn’t think I could draw, paint or anything. I feel a lot more confident now which is a word that I’m not used to. I will try things. I’ve been into Hobbycraft since and spent a bit of money! I have a carer, Debbie, who is into it as well so there are things I can carry on afterwards. All the staff have been amazing. I’ve enjoyed it so much. It feels fantastic to see people come along.”

Sarah Addison, a traditional craft tutor, led the group. She said:
“I’m honoured to be part of it. We had a really varied experience doing different crafts and I just felt the exhibition was a celebration of all their amazing work.

“I wanted to create a space to meet their needs. As a practitioner it’s been a real journey. I’ve delivered traditional workshops for many years and I’ve always had a set way of doing it. Working with people living with dementia has been really interesting. I’ve had to really unpick my own delivery and look at how to suit everybody’s needs and to show value in every stage of creating a piece of art.

“You see one piece of work but when you dive into it you see the many layers and experiences you can have creating art. Whatever I’ve said we’re going to do, they’ve run with it.”

Sandra Masson has been working with the group. She described her experience:
“A lot of people don’t talk about dementia or mental health. It’s only now that people are talking about emotions and that’s what’s nice about our group. We can talk about our emotions and it’s accepted. People just need to talk. Having company and a great sense of humour, which Sarah has especially, is what keeps us going.”

Lesley Hellon, Dementia Advisor with Alzheimer Scotland added:
“The workshops were open to anyone who attended Rag Tag n Textile, anyone living with dementia, any carers, but open to the public as well.

“One of the things I’m passionate about is that we don’t put people in silos. The word dementia offers a lot of stigma anyway and we want to break those barriers down.”

The group is hoping to get enough funding to put the exhibition on display elsewhere.