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The Art Ministry was founded in
1992 by Reverend Angela Cotton who is still the driving force
Reverend Angela commenced her good
work on the belief that art and crafts are good for all people and are a means
of bringing about equality between widely differing groups. The work began in
1992 and has expanded and developed almost continuously since then.
The main aim is to provide facilities in Arts and Crafts to all but especially to children, Teenagers and those disabled or disadvantaged.
We are based in a well equipped, purpose built Art Room set in gardens, the one at the rear designed for use by the Disabled and Mentally Ill. We are accepted and supported by the local council and people are referred to by the Social Services ,hospital
departments and local charities
The Art Ministry has also benefited from a large bequest from the Lottery Heritage Fund which has enabled us to work with local schools.
This body of work will culminate with the publishing of a History Book which will be used in theschool's own curriculum
.
·
The Art Ministry has worked with homeless people
·
Children with
Learning Difficulties
·
The bereaved and the dying
Recently we have received
funding from ‘Essex Community Funding’ to pay three capable and suitably experienced teachers £1,500 per annum for the Class
for the Visually Disabled, an Outreach Class and the Class for the Physically Disabled. The result
is able teaching in these specialised fields and some very good work produced.
During this period The Benfleet Rotary Club financed a beautiful garden for the
Disabled. .A big vote of thanks goes to these thoughtful providers.
Our work brings considerable help happiness and hope to so many, We are applying to the Arts Council for an "artist in Residence"
to take the organisation into the commercial sphere and raise our profile in the Art world at large.
Our magnificent fund raising committee also deserve a mention.
They have raised funds, and provided many exciting and innovative events. In doing so they have secured sponsorship and helped to boost the coffers.
A few examples of present members will serve to indicate the kind of need we seek to meet.
Rick was a junior boxing champion at 18. At 20 he was the victim of a serious car accident which left him unable to walk or speak. He is now 27,aware how handicapped he is but a bright warm, loving individual. He loves the Tuesday afternoon class and has discovered that he has considerable ability with pyrography. His pleasure in creating beautiful things is increased by his desire to give them to loved ones.
Dianne is totally blind and has been since she was a very small child. She lives alone and rarely goes out. It is strange but wonderful that she has a vivid imagination. Unlike most of the others who learn ceramics she models creatively in clay. She can also describe a picture in such a way that a sighted helper can paint it. She has been heard to say that she wishes she could spend all her time in the Art Room.
Both Rick and Dianne work one to one with a helper.
Until two years ago the Art Ministry also worked with the mentally ill and with Children with Learning Disabilities. Links remain with some of the ex- members who we hope will join up again when we are able to re-start.
Alison was met on the occasion of a call for help when she was suicidal. Since she had been an art student and an able artist it was suggested that a club might be started for people like her. Two girls in similar circumstances joined her. In time this became a lively club working in co-operation with an NSF (Now Rethink) Drop-In. Perhaps the greatest compliment paid it was by Michael who came one afternoon to say that he was no longer going to be able to come. Model-making had had renewed his interest in life to such an extent that he had been successful in getting a job!
It is not appropriate to give instances of particular children. However ,it needs to be said, that their difficulties are such that a properly trained teacher is necessary to run the club if it were able to re-open.
LETTERS from MEMBERS (EXTRACTS)
“ ….a telephone call from a blind friend asked me if I would be interested in joining an excellent Art and Craft group, part of The Art Ministry. I am delighted to say that it has been a marvellous experience. I have made new friends and I have help with transport to get there”
“One friend I have made at the group is 84 years old and says it is the best thing that has ever happened to her. We get help to pursue our interests and try new things. We all have limited mobility and some have limited speech but we all have active minds and The Art Ministry fills a gap in all our lives that would otherwise be denied to us. My Tuesday afternoon at Hadleigh is the highlight of the week. Long may it continue We would all be lost without the creative stimulation and friendly chatter”
“When I was asked why I attended the Arts and Crafts classes each week I thought the reply would be obvious, ’to learn to paint’. But the more I thought about it the more reasons came to mind After suffering a stroke 18 months ago, I was left unable to walk dependent on others and more or less housebound. I heard about this Club and joined it . It was a decision I never regretted. I was warmly received , made to feel at home and given a project and the materials to do it. As I looked around I saw how others were coping with their disabilities. They are an inspiration to me and are turning out some very good work I hope to be attending classes for a long time to come”
From David Harrington John Groom Nursing Home
“I would like you to know how much I enjoy my weekly art classes . I have done things which I would never have tried on my own and with success . I am certainly grateful for your classes”
From Pam Turner John Grooms Nursing Home
“I think that these classes should be continued as they are very therapeutic and motivating. They enable people to communicate with one another who otherwise would not meet”
From Jim Courtney
“Almost two years ago I had a major stroke and lost the use of my right side. My right arm and hand were so useless that I had to lift them with my left hand. The Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists gave up on me. They said that there was nothing else they could do for me. When I came to the Club they made me feel very welcome. People talked to me about the effect this stroke had on me. It was the first time anybody had done so with me. At the hospital I was ignored. At the Club I chose to do basket making . I started to try to use my right hand for simple tasks. Gradually, I was able to direct my hand to do what I wanted it to do. What I am doing at this moment is writing with my right hand. The Club has given me back a lot of confidence . When I started doing pottery I got most use in my right hand. Working the clay into a malleable mass was the best exercise for my hand and arm. The results were brilliant. The people who run the club and the volunteers are great; very kind and helpful.”
.
·
The Art Ministry has worked with homeless people
·
Children with
Learning Difficulties
·
The bereaved and the dying
Recently we have received
funding from ‘Essex Community Funding’ to pay three capable and suitably experienced teachers £1,500 per annum for the Class
for the Visually Disabled, an Outreach Class and the Class for the Physically Disabled. The result
is able teaching in these specialised fields and some very good work produced.
During this period The Benfleet Rotary Club financed a beautiful garden for the
Disabled. .A big vote of thanks goes to these thoughtful providers.
Our work brings considerable help happiness and hope to so many, We are applying to the Arts Council for an "artist in Residence"
to take the organisation into the commercial sphere and raise our profile in the Art world at large.
Our magnificent fund raising committee also deserve a mention.
They have raised funds, and provided many exciting and innovative events. In doing so they have secured sponsorship and helped to boost the coffers.
A few examples of present members will serve to indicate the kind of need we seek to meet.
Rick was a junior boxing champion at 18. At 20 he was the victim of a serious car accident which left him unable to walk or speak. He is now 27,aware how handicapped he is but a bright warm, loving individual. He loves the Tuesday afternoon class and has discovered that he has considerable ability with pyrography. His pleasure in creating beautiful things is increased by his desire to give them to loved ones.
Dianne is totally blind and has been since she was a very small child. She lives alone and rarely goes out. It is strange but wonderful that she has a vivid imagination. Unlike most of the others who learn ceramics she models creatively in clay. She can also describe a picture in such a way that a sighted helper can paint it. She has been heard to say that she wishes she could spend all her time in the Art Room.
Both Rick and Dianne work one to one with a helper.
Until two years ago the Art Ministry also worked with the mentally ill and with Children with Learning Disabilities. Links remain with some of the ex- members who we hope will join up again when we are able to re-start.
Alison was met on the occasion of a call for help when she was suicidal. Since she had been an art student and an able artist it was suggested that a club might be started for people like her. Two girls in similar circumstances joined her. In time this became a lively club working in co-operation with an NSF (Now Rethink) Drop-In. Perhaps the greatest compliment paid it was by Michael who came one afternoon to say that he was no longer going to be able to come. Model-making had had renewed his interest in life to such an extent that he had been successful in getting a job!
It is not appropriate to give instances of particular children. However ,it needs to be said, that their difficulties are such that a properly trained teacher is necessary to run the club if it were able to re-open.
LETTERS from MEMBERS (EXTRACTS)
“ ….a telephone call from a blind friend asked me if I would be interested in joining an excellent Art and Craft group, part of The Art Ministry. I am delighted to say that it has been a marvellous experience. I have made new friends and I have help with transport to get there”
“One friend I have made at the group is 84 years old and says it is the best thing that has ever happened to her. We get help to pursue our interests and try new things. We all have limited mobility and some have limited speech but we all have active minds and The Art Ministry fills a gap in all our lives that would otherwise be denied to us. My Tuesday afternoon at Hadleigh is the highlight of the week. Long may it continue We would all be lost without the creative stimulation and friendly chatter”
“When I was asked why I attended the Arts and Crafts classes each week I thought the reply would be obvious, ’to learn to paint’. But the more I thought about it the more reasons came to mind After suffering a stroke 18 months ago, I was left unable to walk dependent on others and more or less housebound. I heard about this Club and joined it . It was a decision I never regretted. I was warmly received , made to feel at home and given a project and the materials to do it. As I looked around I saw how others were coping with their disabilities. They are an inspiration to me and are turning out some very good work I hope to be attending classes for a long time to come”
From David Harrington John Groom Nursing Home
“I would like you to know how much I enjoy my weekly art classes . I have done things which I would never have tried on my own and with success . I am certainly grateful for your classes”
From Pam Turner John Grooms Nursing Home
“I think that these classes should be continued as they are very therapeutic and motivating. They enable people to communicate with one another who otherwise would not meet”
From Jim Courtney
“Almost two years ago I had a major stroke and lost the use of my right side. My right arm and hand were so useless that I had to lift them with my left hand. The Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists gave up on me. They said that there was nothing else they could do for me. When I came to the Club they made me feel very welcome. People talked to me about the effect this stroke had on me. It was the first time anybody had done so with me. At the hospital I was ignored. At the Club I chose to do basket making . I started to try to use my right hand for simple tasks. Gradually, I was able to direct my hand to do what I wanted it to do. What I am doing at this moment is writing with my right hand. The Club has given me back a lot of confidence . When I started doing pottery I got most use in my right hand. Working the clay into a malleable mass was the best exercise for my hand and arm. The results were brilliant. The people who run the club and the volunteers are great; very kind and helpful.”