Posted on 9th Apr
An exhibition featuring works of art that celebrate the power of nature, human connection, and creativity has opened at the National Civil War Centre.
The Dandelion Project, a collaboration between the National Civil War Centre and Newark Women’s Aid, has transformed lives by providing women with an immersive, soothing, and liberating experience.
Organisers said by weaving the threads of nature, human connection, and art into a tapestry of mental wellbeing, the project has encouraged women to step away from the pressures of their everyday lives and immerse themselves in the soothing embrace of art and nature.
Coun Rowan Cozens, portfolio holder for Heritage, Culture and the Arts at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “Through the Dandelion Project, we aimed to create a safe and supportive space for women to reconnect with nature and their inner selves.
“By combining art, mindfulness, and human connection, we hope to have inspired them to continue exploring the therapeutic benefits of nature-based activities that can improve their mental well-being.”
The group took part in weekly sessions outdoors at the Holt in Sconce and Devon Park last autumn. They were invited to explore the park in different ways to help foster a reconnection with nature.
With an emphasis on the creative process instead of the finished piece, the nature-based art activities enabled them to approach the work with a sense of curiosity and created an immersive, absorbing, and liberating experience.
Glyn Hughes, collections and exhibitions manager at the National Civil War Centre, added: “Art pieces like this are great at bringing the community and creativity together.
“This project stands as a testament to the potential for non-medical approaches to mental wellbeing. It is a reminder that, by intertwining the threads of nature, connection, and art, we can foster a healthier, happier, and more connected community. Just like the dandelion, people can blossom in the most challenging of circumstances.”
A vandalised horse statue that previously stood at Sconce and Devon Park will also be making an appearance at the exhibition, after restoration work.
