Parents and carers brought together by poignant art therapy sessions proudly gathered to see their work displayed at the prestigious Sainsbury Centre.
The group are supported by East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) and have become an integral part of its online Create sessions.
Led by Art Therapist Sandra Smith, with contributions from other creative colleagues at EACH, the group is for parents and carers using the charity’s bereaved or child care-led services across Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Suffolk.
Twenty-two diverse pieces of artwork have been on display at the museum and gallery, based at the University of East Anglia, in Norwich. The exhibition started in November and ran through until the end of January.
“To celebrate and see this amazing artwork exhibited in such a prestigious setting is a real honour and makes me extremely proud,” said Sandra.
“It’s taken a lot for the parents and carers to showcase their work in this public way, and I hope it gives them added confidence and a sense of empowerment.
“What they produced demonstrates that through tough, life-changing family experiences, they can stand side by side and share the unique paths they tread.
“Their artwork shines out to others, speaking volumes about every individual and their friendship, resilience, understanding and compassion.”
Create was developed during the first national lockdown and has been running since 2020.
It consists of two six-week blocks per year, providing a safe space and the opportunity to meet and feel connected with others.
Emie Rayfield signed up as a way of helping her cope following the death of baby son Theodore, in July 2021.
He was just 71 minutes old and had exomphalos – a defect of the abdominal wall detected during Emie’s routine 12-week scan.
At that point, it was hoped surgery would correct the problem. Instead, more scans revealed further problems, notably the fact he had no kidneys, and Emie and partner Lee were referred to The Nook – EACH’s hospice in Norfolk.
“The group brings me great joy, gives me an opportunity to meet people and have time to myself, which can be hard during my chaotic day-to-day life,” she said.
“It gives me a chance to think about my son and bring him into my artwork, which is very special and important to me.
“It’s nice having a space where I don’t have to worry or explain myself, if I’m not having a good day or get upset.
“There’s no pressure and we support each other, having fun along the way.”
Sandra said she was grateful to the Sainsbury Centre, in particular Community Education Manager Lauren Wilson and community musician, artist and educator Ian Brownlie.
Both take part in online sessions and hosted a group visit to the museum last summer.
“It’s a great partnership and we’re so grateful,” added Sandra.
“It enables the Create group to learn more about the Sainsbury collection, in particular pieces that ‘shout out’ to the group by representing aspects of their lives.
“It means the group experiences a sense of identity and belonging to the gallery and its amazing collection of culture and history.
“Other cultural venues have also expressed an interest in exhibiting our work, and we’d love that opportunity in the future.”
To find out more about Create and watch a video produced by parents, head here.
