Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life
– Pablo Picasso.

Creative Connections is a gathering of work from three art groups that each work regularly with artist and group facilitator Rebecca Keyser. The spirit of the weekly sessions is one of each participant finding a pathway into their own creativity.  Through experimenting with materials and ideas, group members often surprise themselves with what emerges… and with the state of being that carries them there.

Alongside the exhibition there are two workshops taking place at Uillinn designed to support people in finding their own creative path. With a wide range of materials available, participants are encouraged to make choices based on whichever medium they are drawn to. Letting go of any pressure to ‘do a good picture’, the emphasis is on discovery through experimenting. Guidance is given when required, as well as introduction to techniques and ways of getting started. Music is always playing in the background, which helps create a relaxed atmosphere whereby participants can get lost in the process of art-making; or chat and share ideas.

The exhibition is part of Skibbereen Feelgood festival and thewellbeingnetwork.ie at 49northstreet.ie

Featuring work from Aisling Mooney, Pasqual Venter, Alison Peppard, Rosie Lynch, Mary Ward, Lena O’Regan, Mary Harnedy, Yuliia Oblom, Geraldine Cato, Fran Woolf, Samantha O’Connell, Tony O’Brien, Gediminas Puckorius, Theresa Murphy, Agatha Dennehy, Hazel O’Connor, Jenni White.

Rebecca Keyser is graduate in Visual Art (Sherkin/DIT). Her approach to art-making is intuitive and multi-disciplinary, though she is primarily a painter. She has worked as an Artist Facilitator in a wide range of settings since 1996, and with the Mental Health Service since 2001.  Rebecca has also created art groups in the community across West Cork in conjunction with CMHCR/HSE over the last fifteen years. This includes one at creative hub No. 49 North St, Skibbereen. She has undertaken residencies and collaborated with artists and writers over the years as part of other award-based projects and initiatives funded by Uillinn, HSE and Cork County Arts Council.

Gratefully acknowledging the support of Cork Kerry Community Healthcare, No.49 North St. and HSE Mental Health Engagement and Uillinn West Cork Arts Centre.