Residents and staff at Katherine House and Griffiths House were proud to host an open day on 28^th June as part of the National Care Home Open Day.

The nationwide theme for this year’s event was ‘Celebrating Art in Care’, focussing on friendship and making connections.

In order to express the many ways in which care homes can be creative communities, residents and staff, together with family and friends, created a fascinating exhibition of original art including paintings, pastel drawings, collages, ceramics, needlework, handmade dolls, paper art and sculptures.

Visitors joined residents for refreshments while they browsed the many impressive displays and afterwards, the Wellbeing Team hosted tours of the grounds.

During the afternoon, live entertainment was provided by musician John Pendleton who delighted residents, guests and staff with songs from the 40s, 50s and 60s.

Care Home Manager, Vivienne Withers, said: “Sometimes people overlook the incredible talents that older people have and it was a real eye opener to many of our visitors to see the highly impressive artistic and creative skills of our residents. We all felt a wonderful sense of celebration and pride throughout the entire event.”

John doing some weaving for visitors on the day. John learnt to knit in a bomb shelter. He exhibited knitting and needlework, models and crafts on the day.

Janet proudly displaying one of her pastel drawings. Janet is an artist in her own right and she displayed some beautiful work from her portfolio.

Janet was happy to see her work on display again!

Barbara with the fabulous clown she knitted. One of her clowns raised more than £100 in a raffle for Sunderland’s National Lifeboat Institution.

Esme enjoying a tour of the exhibition.

Beautiful Dolls handmade and painted by resident Monica.

The Lady in the Tutti Frutti Hat. Carmen Miranda by the Residents of Katherine House.

Sunflowers inspired by Vincent van Gogh. By the Residents of Katherine House.