Receiving care and living a creative life in Kiltipper Woods
By Aura McMenamin
Residents at Kiltipper Woods Care Centre have proudly displayed their artwork for a two-week exhibition at Tallaght Library.
The mixed media exhibition features 20 pieces of diverse work including mosaics, photography, painting and collage.
Kiltipper Woods is a rehabilitation and convalescence care centre aiming to provide dignity and independence to its 117 residents.
Sarah Brownlee is an occupational therapist at Kiltipper Woods. She said the artists ranged in age and ability: “This is very new for people. Residents of Kiltipper Woods would have a range of different needs – cognitive and physical.”
The theme of the exhibition was called ‘Living and Laughing’. Ms Brownlee explained that visibility of people with disabilities and dementia was their aim: “We wanted to show community participation. It was about showing that living in Kiltipper Woods isn’t just about receiving care, it’s about living life.
“They worked on their talent, skills, socialising. For Lisa and Paul, this was their job in the centre. It gave them productive and meaningful roles.”
For some residents, it gave them a chance to revisit old passions. Ms Brownlee explained: “One lady had always been a keen photographer, but hadn’t had access to equipment, so we facilitated that.”
The exhibition officially opened last Wednesday and will continue until the 30th of August.
