Down to a fine art – local students join Worcester care home for the world’s largest drawing festiva

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Nov 01, 2019

Residents at a care home in Worcester picked up their pencils and welcomed an illustrator from Worcester University for The Big Draw Festival 2019.

Care UK’s Perry Manor, on Charles Hastings Way, joined in the celebrations by creating works of art around this year’s theme, ‘drawn to life’.

The activities started with a session led by illustrator Megan Hickenbottom, who taught the residents how to make nature-themed greetings cards. Residents also enjoyed a trip to a local art exhibition at Webbs Garden Centre and Hobbycraft, showcasing the work of artist Jeremy Houghton.

Launched in 2000 as part of the ‘Campaign for Drawing’, The Big Draw promotes drawing as a tool for learning, expression and invention, and has encouraged over four million people to get arty since its inception. This year’s theme celebrates the benefits of creative activities, especially drawing, on health and wellbeing. 2019 also marks the bicentenary of John Ruskin’s birth, founder of the Guild of St George, the charitable education trust behind the initiative.

Katherine Matthews, home manager at Perry Manor, said: “We’d like to thank Megan Hickenbottom for joining us, we had a fantastic time brushing up on our art skills, and we can’t wait to welcome her back soon for some more arty fun.

“As well as being a great opportunity to develop our artistic abilities, drawing is a wonderful way to improve motor skills while also providing an alternative way for residents to express themselves. 

“We certainly discovered we have some talented artists at Perry Manor and we can’t wait to see what they create next!”

To find out more about Perry Manor care home email James Wright, customer relations manager at james.wright@careuk.com or call 01905 886 715

For more general information visit: careuk.com/perry-manor

To find out more about the Big Draw festival, please go to thebigdraw.org