Action Mental Health (AMH) warmly invites local residents to Clotworthy House, where three portraits from talented artist, Ross Thompson, will be auctioned to raise funds for the charity.
Entitled “Calibre 22” the event will take place on 10 October, when three multi-medium artworks depicting some of Northern Ireland’s most famous faces, such as Seamus Heaney and Queen Daenerys Targaryen from Game of Thrones, will be auctioned. Ross Thompson will also be showcasing other pieces of art as part of his “Art as Therapy” exhibition.
Harnessing his personal journey of mental resilience and recovery through the medium of pencil sketching and copper plate work, Ross is celebrating his return to art and design.
He said:
“I have experienced a number of traumas which left me questioning whether life was anything more than an endurance test. I found it extremely hard to cope both emotionally and psychologically as every aspect of my life was impacted by my mental ill-health, including my relationships and career.
“However, since attending AMH New Horizons I have started to feel more valued as a person and secure in my own skin. My Employment Officer, Anne McKernan, has been hugely encouraging and has given me the confidence to pursue my passion for art again.”
Located on Steeple Road, the New Horizons division of AMH (which is part-funded through the Northern Ireland European Social Fund Programme 2014-2020 and the Department for the Economy) provides support to those experiencing mental ill-health by aiding their recovery through employment, volunteering, training and advice.
Ross continued:
“The continuous care, support and understanding I receive from New Horizons has been amazing and I am grateful that such a life-changing service exists for those who are finding it difficult to cope mentally.”
Ross, who studied graphic design in Edinburgh, now works as a freelance artist in his home town of Coleraine.
John Davis, Services Manager of AMH New Horizons Antrim, said:
“Art can often be the key to unlocking motivation and positivity for people who have low self-esteem and poor mental well-being.
“New Horizons therefore provides a supportive, encouraging and safe environment where everyone has a voice and a creative platform to express themselves and support each other through their journey.
“We are incredibly proud of Ross and are in awe of his talent for creating such beautiful pieces of art, which we are sure will impress those who come to admire it also.”
The exhibition will be on display in Clotworthy House, Antrim.
If you are unemployed, living with a mental illness and are interested in taking part in the New Horizons Employment Program, contact your Community Mental Health team, Condition Management team or Jobs and Benefits advisor, and ask for a referral to the service.
To take part in New Horizons Employment Program email [email protected] or call 028 94428081.
