Art Beyond Boundaries

On Monday 17 June, St George’s Centre in Kent will open its doors to a remarkable exhibition titled ‘What ellenor Means to Me”, showcasing original artwork by ellenor patients, staff and volunteers.  A collaboration between ellenor and Gravesham Council, the exhibition will present a collection of artworks created by patients and their families facing life limiting illnesses along with contributions from hospice staff.

ellenor, a provider of care and support services to families in Kent and Bexley, advocates for art as a vital tool that supports both emotional expression and personal reflection. Through the perspectives of these patients, their families and the dedicated ellenor staff supporting them, the exhibition offers visitors a rare glimpse into the personal journey of these individuals. It invites viewers to see hospice care in a new light, acknowledging its holistic impact on everyone involved.

Nicola Walmsley, a Therapy Assistant in ellenor’s Wellbeing Team leads this initiative. She explains, “Art therapy plays a vital role in the wellbeing of our patients, helping them to express their emotions, thoughts and experiences through art. The people we work with initiated this exhibition themselves as they wanted to help to raise awareness of ellenor’s crucial support for them and their families and to reflect their experiences of resilience, hope and holistic care. The exhibited pieces range from pictures to 3D works to knitted creations. When our staff learned about this project, they were keen contribute their own pieces, recognising their roles in hospice care and the profound impact it has on them as they walk alongside patients.”

Mandy Hare, the Cultural Manager for Communities and Inclusive Growth at Gravesham Borough Council is steering the borough through a vibrant cultural transformation.  Under her guidance, the council has established a network for creative professionals, who meet regularly to collaborate on various projects. Gravesham boosts strong local arts and festival scenes – including the Fringe – alongside ambitious plans for a cultural strategy with the health and wellbeing of its residents and artists as a priority. This proactive approach is nurturing a thriving cultural environment within the borough.

Mandy says, “Gravesham Council has had strong links with ellenor for many years – although this exhibition will be our first ‘formal’ collaboration. ellenor’s awareness and impact in Gravesham is very strong – ellenor has an extraordinarily high profile and it’s an honour to be collaborating.

“The impact of creativity on community wellbeing has always been an unspecified aspect of Gravesham Council’s approach to the value of arts and culture.  This exhibition is an important step forward in terms of how we support local people. It’s also a more detailed recognition of the role that creativity plays in the health and wellbeing of our communities – and a chance for us to embed health and well being into our cultural agenda. We want to show how involvement in any creative activity can lead not only to beautiful art – but good mental and physical wellbeing, too. Partnering with ellenor on this exhibition will be a big part of that.”

ellenor provides care for patients with life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses: both from its Northfleet-based inpatient and outpatient services, and the homes of its patients throughout Gravesham, Dartford, Swanley, and Gravesend. That includes end-of-life care, as well as palliative care such as symptom management. ellenor’s patients could be reaching the final days and weeks of their life, but they can also be living with debilitating, chronic conditions – such as Parkinson’s Disease and Motor Neurone Disease – and receiving long-term treatment from the comfort of their own homes.

So – when the exhibition ‘What ellenor means to me’ opens, how will it be perceived?

“We invite visitors to see beyond the artwork and connect with the emotions, experiences and journeys expressed behind each piece. Our hope is that this exhibition will highlight the strength of our patients, families and staff, sparking important conversations and fostering greater support for hospice care and the holistic approach we strive to provide.” says Nicola.

Gravesham Council acknowledges that for the people viewing the exhibition – particularly those with loved ones exhibiting, or whose lives have been touched by hospice care before – it may be an emotional experience.

“Art evokes reactions. It’s looking at, listening to, or engaging with something that elicits a response – be that positive or negative. But ultimately, no one can prescribe what art is. It’s different to everyone; we all have our own interpretations of it. Therefore, once a piece of art is out in the world, it ceases to belong to the artist. From then on, it belongs to all of us. Not that it should stop anyone from walking through those doors when they open” says Mandy.

ellenor also plans to showcase some of its standard groups at St Georges Centre throughout the week, offering an opportunity for visitors to witness the lesser-known aspects of hospice care firsthand. If anyone is apprehensive about visiting the exhibition – perhaps because of fears of a triggering experience – we encourage them to still come and explore the artwork on display. To be involved in somebody’s innermost thoughts and legacy is a rare privilege, one that enriches us profoundly and is not to be missed.

Address:                      St Georges Centre, Bath St Gravesend Kent DA11.

Opening Hours:           Tue – Fri 10am – 5pm Sat & Sun 10am – 4pm

                                    Wheelchair access available

Parking:                       St George’s Centre Car Park

Tickets:                        Entrance is free.