Charities Parents And Children Together (PACT) and Arts4Wokingham have partnered to create an exhibition of artwork by adopted children and their families.
The pictures were displayed at Old Kiln Yard, Shute End on Saturday and Sunday, as part of Wokingham Arts Trail 2024.
Invited guests to an exhibition preview included High Steward of Wokingham Lucy Zeal, Deputy Wokingham Town Council Mayor, Cllr Louise Timlin, and Reading Mayor, Councillor Glenn Dennis.
Established in 1911 by the Bishop of Oxford PACT works with children who can’t remain within their birth families, supporting them and their adoptive families until they reach 18 years old.
Arts4Wokingham aims to make arts and culture in Wokingham Borough freely accessible to everyone in the community.
Sarah Hacker from PACT said: “When the youngsters saw their pictures properly displayed in a real art gallery, their faces lit up with pride and excitement.
“We’ve sold several of their paintings already, which will raise money for both charities.”
Chris Foote, Mandy Davies and Emma Johnson, also from PACT, said: “To have been able to produce such beautiful pictures, and receive positive feedback is wonderful.
“Many of the youngsters have experienced negativity in their lives, so the exhibition is worth its weight in gold.”
Lucy Zeal has strong connections with both charities.
“I’ve supported PACT’s Alana House project and its adoption support services for a number of years,” she said.
“The children’s pictures are gorgeous, and I’m just trying to work out which one to buy.”
Arts4Wokingham’s first project is a large-scale sculpture called The Arc, created by artist Nicola Anthony.
A landmark piece of public art for Wokingham, it will incorporate words from the community etched into delicate steel arcs to be located outside the town’s Carnival Hub.
Lucy Zeal is a patron of Arts4Wokingham.
She said: “I’m very keen to support the fundraising for this beautiful focal point for the people of Wokingham.
“It’s elegant, it’s peaceful, and I think once it’s there everyone will wonder why it wasn’t there before.”
Arts4Wokingham chair Charlotte Haitham Taylor was delighted to be able to collaborate with PACT.
“Thanks to a grant from Wokingham Lions as part of their 50th anniversary celebrations, we were able to commission a workshop for PACT families with artist Deborah Pope,” she said.
“It has been thrilling for the children and their families to see their pictures on the wall next to those of other professional artists.
“As well as its therapeutic benefits for the children and families, the project also fitted perfectly with our aims to make the arts accessible to all.”
Broadcaster and communications officer for Arts4Wokingham Paddy Haycocks praised the range and quality of the pictures.
He thanked all the event organisers, the artists, Wokingham Arts Trail, the Old Kiln Yard gallery owners, solicitors Blandy and Blandy, and Wokingham Lions for their support, and Wokingham Men’s Shed members for their acrylic mount for a portable maquette of The Arc.
For information, visit: www.pactcharity.org www.arts4wokingham.com www.oldkilnyard.co.uk and www.wokinghamartstrail.co.uk
