Top notch art at Tory Top

Artworks created by children living with medical conditions will go on display in a Cork library this summer.

Details of the exhibition have been announced by Helium Arts, a charity that works to transform the healthcare experience of young people through art and creative interventions.

The exhibition, with the theme of ‘The Natural World, Found Objects and Tactile Processes of Making’, will run from 7-18 June at Tory Top Library in Ballyphehane. It will be facilitated by Cork city-based artist Ashleigh Ellis. It will feature artwork by Helium workshop participants age 9-12 to showcase collaborations between professional artists and young participants in the programmes run by Helium in hospital and community healthcare settings.

Heléne Hugel, CEO of Helium Arts, said: “In Ireland, 11 per cent of children live with a long-term health condition or disability and approximately one per cent of all children – about 13,000 children – are seriously inhibited in their day-to-day lives. This can lead to significant social and emotional challenges for them.

“At Helium, we work with young people in healthcare and community settings to offer them art and other creative experiences with a view to improving their wellbeing and mental health. We are delighted to be launching a series of summer exhibitions today, which will celebrate the creative work of the children and artists involved while also highlighting the value of creativity for wellbeing.” In addition to the exhibition, a family sharing day will take place on Saturday 11 June, with family friendly activities including creative clay work, stencil making, exploring cabinets of curiosity, animations and more.

The exhibition and associated event are open to the public and free of charge.

Since its establishment in 2010, Helium Arts has worked with over 5,000 young people across Ireland.

“Research shows that children with long-term health conditions are at increased risk of emotional and behavioural problems,” Heléne added.

“They miss significant amounts of time in school – up to 50 per cent of the school year in many cases – and their self-reported happiness levels are much lower than those of children without health issues.

“Our year-round work aims to address these challenges. By providing artistic and creative interventions for young people, we enhance their creative development and wellbeing, which in turns supports therapeutic and health outcomes. We also offer them a safe and supportive environment to connect with their peers, thereby lessening the feelings of loneliness, otherness or isolation often experienced by young people who have health challenges,” Heléne concluded.