People are encouraged to get doodling and more for better mental health
An art project designed to build positive mental health and inspired by the energy and atmosphere of Hull Fair is to launch on the day the event returns to Hull. Friday, October 10 is the date the traditional bell ringing will take place to declare Hull Fair open – it also coincides with World Mental Health Day.
Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust is celebrating the occasion with a focus on how art and creativity can improve mental health. Creative Connections is aptly named for how art can connect us to one another, as well as the connection it builds with positive mental wellbeing.
Local artist Charlotte Eldred will be bringing along her unique brand of doodle art to form an art project which celebrates creativity, connection and community through a collaborative artwork at Ground Floor, Princes Quay Shopping Centre, Hull from 11am to 3pm. The project is entitled Art Draws Us Together, and based on a large painting of a Hull scene with the fair as its vibrant backdrop.
Visitors will be invited to take part by doodling their own unique portraits on A6 and A7 cards with Charlotte. These portraits will then be added to the large Hull scene, gradually building a lively “crowd of people” within the artwork.
By the end of the project, the piece will reflect a shared experience: a diverse and joyful crowd brought together through individual contributions. This project will feature alongside artwork submitted by the Trust’s mental health inpatient units and artistic members of the public.
There are also mindful colouring and Kintsugi workshops available throughout the day. Mindful colouring will be open to all ages and teaches us to be in the moment and enjoy the process, helping reduce stress and anxiety and increase concentration, with Rebecca Harbottle Art attending with unique colouring designs.
The Japanese art of Kintsugi emphasises beauty in brokenness, mending pottery using lacquers and powdered gold, silver or platinum to make the repair a feature of the object. Kintsugi was chosen for World Mental Health Day and the workshops throughout the event are being hosted by the Trust’s Recovery College.
These workshops will provide visitors with an opportunity to try out different styles of art and connect with other people through shared creativity. The Creative Connections pop-up event is open to all.
Save £20 on rides at Hull Fair
Fairgoers can once again get money-off vouchers to save 50p on participating rides – a fantastic saving of up to £20 can be had! Simply purchase your Hull Daily Mail from Wednesday, October 8 until Thursday, October 16 to find your page of vouchers each day.
Terms and Conditions apply: Vouchers are valid any day until 6.30pm (closed Sunday). Redeemable at participating rides only. One voucher per ride. Copies of print vouchers will not be accepted.