Worcester Snoezelen launches charity art exhibition and silent auction

Art created by disabled people who attend art sessions with city charity Worcester Snoezelen is being shown alongside works by local and professional artists.

The works are on display at the charity’s headquarters in Turnpike Close, at the edge of the University of Worcester’s St John’s Campus.

The gallery, which features more than 40 pieces of art, is open to the public between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Saturday until August 31, and entry is free.

Worcester Festival director Chris Jaeger, Worcester Snoezelen service manager Olivia Miller, chairman of trustees Eric Rhodes, artist Sarah Field, charity patron Roger Brunt, Cllr Adrian Gregson, Worcester Festival marketing manager Hannah Burton, mayoress Rachel Hall and Worcester Snoezelen community engagement officer Rachel Court

A silent auction is taking place throughout the exhibition’s run. Bidding is ‘silent’ in that the highest bidder wins the piece, but no one knows what others have bid.

Bids are made either in person on a paper slip in the gallery, or by visiting the Snoezey Art Auction Facebook page.

Art exhibition is part of Worcester Festival

An opening event on Thursday, August 11 was attended by the charity’s patron Brigadier Roger Brunt CBE DL, who is Vice Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire.

The event was also attended by the mayor of Worcester Adrian Gregson, and the mayoress Rachel Hall, herself a keen watercolourist.

Cllr Gregson said: “I am very excited to support the Snoezelen Art Auction because it demonstrates the power of art in its broadest form to make people feel better about themselves and others.

Some of the art on display at the charity

“As my theme for the year is about tackling ill-health through cultural and artistic endeavour this particular event is close to my heart. Well done to all the artists.”

Chris Jaeger, director of the Worcester Festival, was also in attendance.

He said: “This is a truly important organization which needs all of our support. It is part of the Worcester Festival – please go and visit them and support both the Snoezelen and the festival.”

READ MORE: Worcester Festival is returning for its 20 year anniversary

Penny Brazier founded Worcester Snoezelen in 1993 after she discovered the benefits sensory leisure therapy can bring to people with learning disabilities and complex needs.

She said: “This has become a 'must' annual event and yet again it is great to see so much talent on display.

“Snoezelen offers so much to so many people and it has been wonderful to see how art and music have developed over the years to become such an important part of life for so many people.”