Exhbition by homeless at Royal & Derngate

Homeless people were delighted to see their art work and writing recognised in an exhibition at the Royal & Derngate theatre this month.
People from the Hope Centre with their workPeople from the Hope Centre with their work
People from the Hope Centre with their work

Northampton Hope Centre clients participate in weekly art sessions with artists, Helene Kluger- Langer and Maureen  Andrew explore their creativity using a range of media and styles. Writer, David Blake, also runs a creative writing group.

When Royal and Derngate staff visited the centre they were impressed with the quality of work and invited Hope Centre clients to put together an exhibition.

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The Hope Centre art group is now looking for other venues in the town in which the artists can exhibit and sell their work.

Hope Centre chairman, Adrian Pryce, said: “As well as providing basics like hot meals and showers, the Hope Centre tackles the root causes of homelessness such as childhood trauma, substance abuse, learning difficulties and mental health issues.

“Providing opportunities for self-expression and relaxation is an important part of the structured and integral service we provide.

“Hope Centre clients were over the moon to see their creativity recognised in such a prominent way. This was a wonderful chance to show the great things our volunteers and clients achieve every day.”

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The artists were invited to attend the exhibition and watch the theatre’s latest production, The Herbal Bed, as a thank you.

Royal & Derngate’s creative learning director, Trudy Bell, said: “The exhibition really highlights the fact that life challenges do not necessarily limit creative talent and we are delighted to have been able to showcase the fantastic work that Hope Centre clients produce.”

If you would like to display artwork at your venue contact [email protected] or call 0845 519 9371. For more information about Northampton Hope Centre see www.northamptonhopecentre.org.uk or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.