On Friday the 24^th of February at 11am, the Carew II Community Centre will be launching their ‘Older People’s Exhibition’ in the foyer of Connswater Shopping Centre, in East Belfast.  The exhibition marks the end of their successful Older Peoples Art Programme, funded by the Art Council of Northern Ireland, and lead by artists Lesley Cherry and Colin McGookin. The exhibition comprises of paintings, photographs, mosaics and collages, made by the participants over a 6-month period.

Heather McMurray, manager of Carew II commented, ‘This is the first time we have hosted such a programme and as you can see from the results, it has been a great success.  In addition to the exhibition, the project also produced 2 outdoor artworks for our centre, which is based in Tamer Street, in East Belfast.  One piece, a colourful mosaic, was jointly created by the group and is tilted ‘Street Rivers’, depicting how several of the street names around the centre take their names from rivers across the United Kingdom.  The second, large-scale aluminium piece is a collection of the groups artworks, made into the shape of a flower. The centre is over the moon with both pieces and think the project as a whole has been a great success.’

Emma Dargan, Community Development Officer at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, commented: “The Arts Council is challenging ageism and prejudice by encouraging older people to be creative and participate in the arts. Taking part in arts activities, like this project in East Belfast, can help to overcome feelings of isolation and loneliness often experienced by older people. It can be the first step in promoting a transformation, inspiring a new lease of life, encouraging lifelong learning and active aging.”

The exhibition will run throughout the month of March, with several pieces available for sale.