Art show at County Hall in Carmarthen
Adults with learning disabilities have put on an art and craft exhibition at County Hall, Carmarthen.
Members of the council’s STEPS day units displayed their wares at the November meeting of full council, which was held to raise awareness of their work and to celebrate their recent achievements.
One of the art groups, from STEPs II Cam Cyntaf, based in Johnstown, was recognised on a national level at the National Eisteddfod in Ebbw Vale in August.
The competition was open to all adults with a learning disability living in Wales.
Of the 30 pieces of artwork displayed at the exhibition, six were from Cam Cyntaf, and one of the paintings - ‘Waterfall’ by service user David Ashworth - took a bronze award.
Gareth John, Head of Mental Health and Learning Disabilities, said: “The art and photography group has been developed over a number of years and is an important factor in individuals’ development. Art is a learning process which takes in colour recognition, improves hand to eye co-ordination, increases mobility movements in hands, and improves concentration.
“It also gives people opportunities to express themselves freely in a manner in which they are comfortable in and will also help in communication and behavioural management.”
Art and craft is a major part of the STEPs scheme, which also has bases in Trostre, Llanelli, and Cross Hands.
The STEPs units provide a supported environment for training and employment, enabling and empowering adults with learning disabilities to pursue work awareness, work experience, voluntary and paid employment.
Craft ware and art work produced at the units are sold in small local outlets, and profits are ploughed back in to the schemes.
Cllr Pat Jones, executive board member for health and social care, said: “We are really pleased that the STEPS art groups have done so well. It is yet another achievement they can be proud of. I’d also like to thank the team of staff that have supported the group so well.”
Members of STEPS display their art and craft at County Hall. Pic Jeff Connell
Members of the council’s STEPS day units displayed their wares at the November meeting of full council, which was held to raise awareness of their work and to celebrate their recent achievements.
One of the art groups, from STEPs II Cam Cyntaf, based in Johnstown, was recognised on a national level at the National Eisteddfod in Ebbw Vale in August.
The competition was open to all adults with a learning disability living in Wales.
Of the 30 pieces of artwork displayed at the exhibition, six were from Cam Cyntaf, and one of the paintings - ‘Waterfall’ by service user David Ashworth - took a bronze award.
Gareth John, Head of Mental Health and Learning Disabilities, said: “The art and photography group has been developed over a number of years and is an important factor in individuals’ development. Art is a learning process which takes in colour recognition, improves hand to eye co-ordination, increases mobility movements in hands, and improves concentration.
“It also gives people opportunities to express themselves freely in a manner in which they are comfortable in and will also help in communication and behavioural management.”
Art and craft is a major part of the STEPs scheme, which also has bases in Trostre, Llanelli, and Cross Hands.
The STEPs units provide a supported environment for training and employment, enabling and empowering adults with learning disabilities to pursue work awareness, work experience, voluntary and paid employment.
Craft ware and art work produced at the units are sold in small local outlets, and profits are ploughed back in to the schemes.
Cllr Pat Jones, executive board member for health and social care, said: “We are really pleased that the STEPS art groups have done so well. It is yet another achievement they can be proud of. I’d also like to thank the team of staff that have supported the group so well.”
Members of STEPS display their art and craft at County Hall. Pic Jeff Connell
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