Day Care Artists

At St Luke’s we believe that a stimulated mind can do amazing things. So, for people who may have lost so much in terms of mobility, independence and active careers, providing a new source of stimulation can make all the difference; especially if they have never painted before.

Pat Darlington, our Hospice Artist, sees how painting can increase a person’s sense of well-being and self-esteem, on a daily basis. Time and time again she has observed how developing an outside focus has helped members of her ‘academy’ ignore the pain inside. Parkinson’s sufferers stop shaking whilst they’re painting and many patients find that they become so engrossed that they forget their illness. Even just being in a group, relaxing and discussing art helps people step outside of their day-to-day concerns.

The therapeutic effect goes beyond the artists too – Pat regularly exhibits the paintings; brightening the Reception area and delighting visitors. For a preview, click here.