Mayor praises art created by mental health support group

The Mayor of Bury, Councillor Dorothy Gunther, pronounced herself “very impressed” with a display of artworks created by people recovering from mental health issues.

She was put in the picture when visiting an exhibition at Bury Art Gallery hosted by members of the Start in Bury project.

The annual showcase features art created by many of the more than 40 members who meet at weekly workshops.

Run at Manchester Road Community Centre by professional artists Lisa Broadhurst and Jack Wright, the charity project receives no official funding. This leaves its members having to pay their own small subscription fees to cover operating costs.

Despite this the group continues to thrive and accepts referrals from the NHS and Bury Council’s adult services team.

Cllr Gunther praised Start in Bury members who gathered at the gallery as she officially opened the exhibition.

“I’m very impressed with your paintings and drawings. All of them are lovely,” she said. “You’re doing a great job!”

She went on to admit that her own artistic skills fell some way short of the work on displays, saying: “I can’t even draw a straight line!”

Jack Wright, whose artistic credits include Radcliffe’s Nailing Home sculpture, thanked the mayor for taking time to visit the exhibition.

“We were all delighted to welcome the mayor to the exhibition. She was clearly taken with the quality of work on display and showed great interest in the therapeutic and social value of Start in Bury.”

He added that he was pleased Cllr Gunther had accepted an invitation to visit one of the group’s workshops. “Maybe we can help with her straight line drawing,” he joked.

Meanwhile members of the public can judge the artworks for themselves. The exhibition continues until 4 November and entry is free.

For more information, or to support Start in Bury, contact Jack Wright on 07595 219424.

ENDS

Press release issued: 2 October 2017.

Picture: The Mayor of Bury, Cllr Dorothy Gunther, meets artist Dennis Davison whose “Dragon Boat” painting can be seen behind him.