03.09.24
3 minute read
The 50 Plus Art Group is a new peer-led group for people engaging in BDP’s 50 Plus Crowd, with lots of different mediums for people to get creative!
The Over 50s Crowd usually hang out twice a week to enjoy a range of social activities, from crosswords to music to picnics, but the new Over 50s Art Group takes a different approach.
With an arty and creative focus, the group has a more intentional direction and provides all sorts of enjoyment for its members. The space offers a safe environment for expression and community without any social expectations – a super appealing factor for a lot of people!
The idea to form an Over 50s Art Group sprung from the mind of Lawrence, the 50 Plus facilitator, who in attempt to showcase the skills of the group members advocated for Phil, an avid 50s member, to share his artistic gifts and lead the group.
During our 50 Plus Crowd get-togethers, I noticed that we had several members who would sit and doodle, or dig in to the art cupboard and create some phenomenal pieces. I’d always envisaged the members of the group being the ones to lead the activities, so I was very excited that Phil was up for taking the lead on an art group. The work that has been produced so far has blown me away, I’m incredibly impressed by the talent shown; it’s a great space for people to be themselves and let their thoughts and feelings out in a creative and expressive way.
Lawrence Bacon, 50 Plus facilitator.
Phil has been doing art since he was a child, he says it “Pulls together so much of what I know, and what I’d like to know”.
The benefits of the group are as varied as the art itself! Many of the members expressed that art allows people to get “wrapped up in your own world without having to worry about what’s going on outside these four walls”, and that’s certainly true for the 50 Plus Art Group, there is a freedom to the creative process that facilitates self-expression in a way words can’t always do justice.
For many people, this is what draws them to the group, providing an outlet for their feelings in amongst the creative process!
“50 Plus has been invaluable to me for 8 years now, through some of the worst and most difficult years of my life so far.
Since you [Lawrence] have been leading and transforming, it has been so inspiring watching our precious little group grow into the AMAZING thing it has become, it’s just so beautiful and I’m blessed to feel part of something so unique and special.” – 50 Plus member.
Want to get involved?
If you want to get involved with the Over 50s Crowd, or want to find out more, email Lawrence at 50plus@bdp.org.uk.
