My Heart Says… verd de gris Project Launch Event

Thursday 12th May
11:00am in the Waterfront Hall
Free Entry

Join us for the launch event of a very special project led by Sharon Marsden from verd de gris arts working with local charity Lead The Way and Creative Minds.

Over the past three months, Sharon from verd de gris arts has been working with the creative arts group at Lead The Way Calderdale. verd de gris are now delighted to be hosting a launch event at Hebden Bridge Town Hall on 12th May 2022 to celebrate all the work produced. They will be screening a beautiful film of the art sessions, with music, singing, and movement - and launching the accompanying book and art exhibition.

Sharon says, "I loved this project and I loved creating art in such a free and liberating way with this wonderful group of people.”

“Wow! How they brought joy to me, to each other, and to all the carers and support staff. It really was a room full of happiness, made more poignant I’m sure, because of what we’ve all lived through in the Pandemic.”

“Throughout the project, the group expressed themselves through different art forms: drawing, painting, singing, dancing, and sharing their words. It became an exchange between myself and the group.”

“Each session shaped what activity, songs, and music I brought in the following week. Gathering the group’s words was such an important part of the process - I believe we need to see and really listen to people.”

“Giving everyone time and space to find ways to express their thoughts and share their words was so crucial! For this is where the poetry is - where the beauty lies.”

“To quote Lisa, ‘My heart says I’m alright’. When we were all together, in that room on those wintry Thursday mornings, the sun always seemed to shine (it really did!) and our hearts indeed were ‘alright!’"

Mikala Hitched from Lead The Way says, "There were tears, laughter, and new friends dancing together. One member said, ‘I loved every minute... it was amazing’.”

“Another participant said, ‘I like drawing the pictures and I like singing. I had a good time.’ A support worker commented, ‘It is good to see my clients enjoying themselves.’”

“By the end of the project, each of us gained unforgettable memories and unbreakable bonds of friendship. And for two hours every week at the Art Group, we get to ‘shake our blues away!’"

Lead the Way is a service for adults who have a learning disability and their family carers in Calderdale. Their groups and events help people to get involved in health and wellbeing activities while making new friends. Some members of their friendly team have lived experience of a learning disability.

This project is supported by Lead The Way / Cloverleaf Advocacy and Creative Minds Calderdale.