Bringing art to your home
Would you like to try something new? Art at the Kitchen Table is a programme which supports older people in Waterford City and County to make art in their own homes. Our artist visits a person at home and they create art together: painting, drawing and collage/mixed media. Artist Caroline Schofield visits people in Waterford City and environs, while artist Eilis O’Toole works with people in West Waterford. No experience is required, just an interest in making art. Participation is free of charge, but places are limited so booking is required. Contact Waterford Healing Arts (051) 842664 / what@hse.ie
Art at the Kitchen Table has been developed by Waterford Healing Arts, and is delivered in partnership with Waterford City and County Council.
Art at the Kitchen Table was developed in 2020 to address the isolation experienced by older people who had had to cocoon at home for long periods of time during the pandemic, and to offer participants a chance to develop a new, or re-ignite a previous interest in art. The project aims to bring joy and creativity, to impact positively on wellbeing, and to support people to look forward as we emerge from COVID.
Claire Meaney, Director of Waterford Healing Arts, explains: “Beginning with a conversation, the artist will guide you towards deciding what kind of art you’d like to make and will show you some simple skills and techniques to get you started. The artist will visit up to three times to see how you’re getting on and to guide you towards developing your own style and confidence so that you can continue to make art independently after you have completed your one-to-one sessions.”
Artist Caroline Schofield adds “I bring materials and everything we need for each art session. You don’t need to have experience. It’s amazing what people discover about themselves, abilities and talents they never knew they had! Also, lots of people have experience of other forms of making, like knitting, crochet or using tools. All of this comes in very handy when someone is learning to paint or make art in other ways. Sometimes a person likes to have a family member or friend take part with them, which can work well, as they encourage and support each other, but I’m just as happy to meet someone on their own.”
Two Art at the Kitchen Table Studios began in 2022, in Waterford City and Dungarvan, bringing individual participants together in a group setting. In this way, participants build on their art making skills while also taking an important step back into society.
Art at the Kitchen Table is planned in accordance with public health guidelines in relation to COVID-19. The schedule of visits may need to change, depending on changes to these guidelines. Participants are notified of any changes.