Don Conroy launches ‘In Residence’, an exhibition of artworks by Nursing Home Residents

Monday June 10, 2019

Artworks by nursing home residents to go on display as part of Nursing Homes Week

Artist and former children’s television presenter, Don Conroy, demonstrated his unique ability to encourage others to paint, sketch or draw, at the launch of ‘In Residence’, an exhibition of artworks by nursing home residents that begins today. The exhibition is taking place in over 130 nursing homes around Ireland all this week as part of Nursing Homes Week 2019.

With art is a central theme of this year’s celebrations, Nursing Homes Ireland CEO, Tadhg Daly, spoke about how wonderful it was to have Don help launch the exhibition. “Don is an artist who is loved by people across the country. Residents in Knockrobin Hill were delighted to meet with him and show him their own special creations for Nursing Homes Week. His visit generated great excitement and the enthusiasm is replicated amongst residents and within nursing homes across the country. Don is an artist of the people and he is a brilliant ambassador for In Residence.”

Discussing Nursing Homes Week as a whole, Tadhg Daly, said, “Nursing Homes Week 2019 will bring together an exceptional series of exhibitions across Ireland to mark Nursing Homes Week 2019.  In Residence will see over one hundred nursing homes display over 1,000 artworks created by nursing home residents. Art fulfils an essential role on a day-to-day basis in providing nursing home residents with therapeutic care and joyous activity. We expect visitors to nursing homes to take great joy in viewing these creations”

“Nursing Homes Week celebrates the remarkable people living in our nursing homes and the people who dedicate themselves to providing them with excellent care.  Residents in our nursing homes continue to make a tremendous contribution to society. They bring to it tremendous knowledge and wisdom and wider society can learn from values they hold. Tremendous happiness, inspiration and pride is brought to the lives of the people who engage with nursing home residents.”

“During Nursing Homes Week, we also celebrate the thousands of people in our nursing homes who are supporting residents on a round-the-clock basis.   Staff in our nursing homes provide residents with fantastic care, support and assurance, enhancing the lives of these people entrusted in their care.”

Over 200 nursing homes are hosting celebrations during Nursing Homes Week. These vary from more ‘traditional’ celebrations such as family days, live music and dance, garden parties, culture events and celebrations with local schools.

More unique celebrations include cocktail and mad hatter parties, the visit of brass and army bands, a multi-home boccia tournament, 1930s tea dance, Hawaiian themed-party, vintage car displays and yoga.

ENDS

Photography by Mark Harrison – 087 980 9255 / [email protected]

Irish Artist Don Conroy helped launch the celebrations in Knockrobin Hill Nursing Home, Wicklow Town. Photos by Mark Harrison

 

If media would like more information about Nursing Homes Week 2019, please contact Michael McGlynn on 087 908 2970.