Artist Anna Rooney has worked with Ninewells Community Garden and patients and staff of the Carseview Centre at Ninewells Hospital to create a series of textile panels.
Anna has been working closely with Ninewells Community Garden since spring this year, gaining experience with running nature-based workshops for participants staying in the Carseview Centre, the mental health clinic of Ninewells Hospital.
This project was designed with patients and staff from Ward 2 of the clinic at the Carseview Centre and addresses the need for engaging tactile surfaces in the quiet room. The admission ward provides acute treatment for people struggling with their mental health, with the quiet room being used as a safe, supportive environment in times of crisis or heightened emotions.
The process of experimenting with different materials and techniques such as weaving, printing, felting and embroidery has allowed workshop participants to experience the therapeutic nature of arts and crafts and gain confidence and new skills. The social space created during the sessions has also encouraged participants to enhance their wellbeing by making and coming together, highlighting issues related to mental health such as isolation and loneliness. Collaboration is at the centre of the project with each workshop session involving the creation of modular or joint pieces that connect together and create the final collection of panels.
The panels will be on display throughout the festival at Ninewells Community Garden while the Leaf Room is open, but will also be viewable through the floor-to-ceiling windows outside of the opening times. After the exhibition, the panels will be permanently installed on the walls of the quiet room and will provide tactile, interactive surfaces that are calming but stimulating to the senses.
About Anna Rooney
Anna is an artist based in Dundee and Angus who responds to formations present in the natural world and explores her practice through drawing, painting, making, and developing workshops.
About Ninewells Community Garden
Ninewells Community Garden is situated in the lovely environment of the Arboretum of Ninewells Hospital, near to Maggie’s. The mission of the garden is to promote physical activity and good health through community gardening; in an environment where horticulture supports wellbeing, therapy and rehabilitation.
Supported by SMHAF Regional Participatory Arts Fund.
