Story & photos:Helen Brown
‘Art with Krishna’ is a community art group every Friday 10am-12.30pm at the Ashram multi-faith centre on Spital Hill.
The participants enjoy various art projects – from painting to the current mosaic work they are doing. The group was originally funded by Burngreave New Deal to help people with mental illnesses and their carers. However, when this funding ended Krishna Alageswaran took over the running of the group on a voluntary basis.
Krishna explains that his group is beneficial to the community for numerous reasons; mainly because the creative side to recovery is not prioritised in the NHS. This is where Krishna’s group provides creative and therapeutic activities to improve or maintain wellbeing.
All the ladies have their own reasons for being there, and all agree that the social interaction is one of the major benefits of attending the group. For instance Linda Hill, who has been coming to the art group for over a year, says that they are all good friends, and that they all support and help each other when needed.
Her friend Caroline Garret agrees with this, and adds that it is “a nice little group, which is also relaxing and interesting.” Similarly, Surtag Hack says (whilst working on her second mosaic piece) ‘I get real love here, in this group’.
The mosaic workshop that they are currently taking part in is part of the Learn Well Live Well pilot project delivered through the WEA (Workers Education Association) and funded by the Skills Funding Agency.
If anyone is interested in future workshops contact Nicola at SOAR on 07960 084 251, or nicola.thorpe@soarcommunity.org.uk.
The class costs one pound to attend, as a contribution to the materials, and drinks are provided.
For more information pop into the Ashram on Burngreave Road, or email Krishna on artwithkrishna@gmail.com.