Gartnavel Royal Hospital ‘Art in the Gart’ and Project Ability are proud to present the exhibition ‘The Reconnect Collection’ as part of the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival (SMHAF) 2023.  The free exhibition is on show now at the Art in the Gart Gallery, Ground floor, The Hub, Gartnavel Royal Hospital until 1 March 2024.

Led by the Mental Health Foundation, the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival (SMHAF) is one of the world’s leading arts events dedicated to mental health. The festival celebrates the artistic achievements of people with experience of mental health problems, challenges, stigma and perceptions, and encourages participation in the arts to promote good mental health for all.

Patient artists’ artwork is exhibited alongside Project Ability artists Mary T. Clements, Jane Fisher, Stuart Low and Simon McAuley. 

Fiona Sinclair, Voluntary Services Manager, Gartnavel Royal Hospital said: “Art in the Gart is the Gartnavel Royal creative volunteer programme, which offers patients the chance to engage with art specialists across a range of media. On this occasion, Project Ability tutors and volunteers worked alongside in-patient artists to develop original drawings, paintings and collage. Sharing artistic activity helps support mental health recovery, increase self-confidence and develop skills in a sociable environment.

“This project would not have been possible without the financial support of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Endowments 2022.”

Project Ability Tutor Meredith Crone said: “The quality of the work, the imagination displayed and the level of focus by the patient artists have been inspiring; for people to be able to exhibit their work in the gallery is hugely motivational and reminds us all of the benefits that come from being creative.”