Cavan nursing home to take part in national arts initiative
Esker Lodge has created a large canvas of visual art representing the theme of ‘Connection to Animals and Nature’.
The artwork of residents at Cavan's Esker Lodge will feature as part of a national exhibition of work by hundreds of nursing home residents across the country as part of National Arts in Nursing Homes Day.
The nationwide initiative highlighting the artistic and creative talents of nursing home residents takes place this coming Friday, May 20, and features as part of the annual Age & Opportunity Bealtaine Festival celebrations.
Over 140 nursing homes participated in the 2021 celebrations, with 2022 looking to build upon the success of the inaugural event.
For a number of weeks, nursing home residents have been engaged with activity coordinators working on art and craftworks that will go on display for visitors to view this coming Friday.
The exhibitions will feature award winning projects undertaken by residents Esker Lodge in Co Cavan.
It will also feature work by residents at Kiltipper Woods in Co Dublin, and Dealgan House in Co Louth.
Kiltipper was the inaugural recipient of the National Arts in Nursing Homes Day Award, with Dealgan House and Esker Lodge also recipients of awards for their projects.
For a number of weeks, nursing home staff and residents have been engaged to create works that will be unveiled Friday for celebratory events in nursing homes.
Esker Lodge has created a large canvas of visual art representing the theme of ‘Connection to Animals and Nature’.
Dr. Tara Byrne, Arts Programme Manager and Bealtaine Festival Artistic Director said: “With the deep enjoyment, connection and release that the arts can bring to us, we hope that through National Arts in Nursing Homes Day we help put the arts right at the heart of people’s lives in nursing homes and day care centres around Ireland.”
Tadhg Daly, Nursing Homes Ireland CEO added: “Art fulfils such an integral role in meeting the social care needs of residents in nursing homes. National Arts in Nursing Homes Day provides an opportunity to celebrate the gift of expression, joy and gratification that art and creative works bring to residents on a constant basis.
He stated: “Nursing Homes Ireland are delighted and extremely proud to partner with Age and Opportunity’s Bealtaine Festival to recognise the creative talents of older people in our nursing homes.”