A  group of fine art students have used their creativity for a good cause, creating artwork for people with dementia in order to help them trigger happy memories.

The group of extended diploma level three students from West Suffolk College researched dementia, and created artwork based on the five senses, all around the theme of happiness.

The artworks will be displayed around St Peter’s House, a residential care home in Bury St Edmunds.

Amongst the art is a painting of a boat on a beach made with real sand and rope, sensory cushions, a multicoloured painting with working lights, and pictures with touchable, embroidered flowers.

One of the home’s residents, Pam Norman, was impressed with the students’ work, saying: “It’s very, very good. They have spent a lot of time and thought about it and people will appreciate it”.

Kathryn Smith, director of operations at the Alzheimer’s Society, said: “It’s great to see this coming together of generations in Suffolk.

“It’s very interesting and moving to see this work transformed the students’ perceptions from being scared to being comfortable to work so collaboratively with people affected by the condition.”

 

Featured picture: Shannon Wade, left, and Alice Buckmaster with their work