One Foundation raises money and awareness for Jersey Mencap

James Qualtrough | June 12, 2012 | 0 Comments

A guest viewing some of the work of the Mencap Students

The One Foundation is delighted to have sponsored the Taking Part Marking Art project which is run by local charity, Jersey Mencap. It is one of the many initiatives run by Jersey Mencap which supports people with a learning disability and is a popular programme that runs 5 days a week. The sessions are run by local artists and a wide selection of materials and mediums are used throughout. The aim of the project is to give more choice to adults with learning disabilities on how to spend their day whilst also providing an opportunity to gain practical skills and personal development.

Previous highlights from the ‘Taking Part, Making Art’ project have included the Birds in the Trees in Broad Street and a giant paper-chain being strung up in King Street. The project which will have caught most islanders’ eyes was the brightly coloured snails which were placed along Victoria Avenue.

The One Foundation and Jersey Mencap held an Art Exhibition and Silent Auction on Thursday 24^th May at Castle Quay to raise funds for the project and also to raise awareness of both of the charities. The event was a great success with over 100 guests attending; Jersey Premier Brass, who are also sponsored by the One Foundation, provided entertainment for the evening whilst guests viewed the great work of the students on the ‘Taking Part, Making Art’ project. The main feature of the night was the launch of ‘A quilt of many colours’, this is a huge piece of artwork that members of the public are invited to get involved in. Participants are given a 12”X12” square piece of material on which they must portray their view of Jersey; they are encouraged to use different mediums of art including paint, tie-dye, sewing etc. Once completed all pieces will be placed together to produce this magnificent piece.

In addition, there were 12 Lots that were kindly donated by local residents and artists to be entered into a Silent Auction. Collectively the money raised will go towards funding the project next year.

Kevin Lemasney, Chairman of the One Foundation said – ‘ Once again Jersey Mencap and the team of artists delivering the Taking Part, Making Art programme have done a fantastic job. Everybody who came to the event was very impressed with the range of work that has been done by those participating on the programme and the use of colour was quite spectacular. We are very grateful to those who supplied us with so many pieces of art for the silent auction and of course to those who gave very generously at the event to help support the initiative next year. ‘

Alex Wiles of Jersey Mencap said – ‘This has been a fantastic opportunity to showcase the artwork and launch the quilt project. So much is gained from the Taking Part Making Art project and to have the support of the One Foundation will enable Jersey Mencap to keep this vital project going’