Open Studio for Choices Group

A group of seventeen people attended a six week workshop facilitated by Kim Doherty at The Moth Studios, Cavan.   The group were exploring positive mental health outcomes through arts engagement and were members of the Choices Group and from Cavan Day Hospital.   Positive outcomes identified by the group included:  

"Very relaxing, good days spent at art classes, good day all round",
"I enjoyed the painting", “great to get out and meet people in a relaxing and enjoyable environment”
All the participants felt that they needed longer each week to work on their individual pieces and that this would have improved what they were able to produce and they particularly enjoyed working from the work of the Old Masters. 

Claire Kearns, the occupation therapist working with the group said “working in arts settings provides positive outcomes and this time and space is very valuable for us all”.   Kim Doherty, artist and art therapist completed this short project which is a continuation of her work through arts practice in health care and community settings.  Kim says “ I really enjoyed working with this group they were interested and want to learn more and explore, I am very passionate about working with arts materials for positive mental health outcomes”.

This project was supported by the arts office and initiated by Kim Doherty in association with Claire Kearns, occupational therapist, Cavan General Hospital Health Services .