Generations get together in Newton Mearns to create work of art

Residents of Newton House Care Home, members of the community and children from Kirktonholme Mearnswood Nursery with their masterpiece.

Amateur painters young and old met at Newton House Care Home, on North Greenlaw Way, to take part in a special painting session on a huge blank canvas.

Residents, children and members of the public spent the afternoon of Friday, June 8, splashing paint on the canvas like would-be Jackson Pollocks.

The result was a messy masterpiece full of colour and resident Eric Dobson said the whole group were delighted with the result.

He said: “I’m glad that the painting turned out so well and can’t wait to see it on the wall.

“Having worked in an art gallery, I enjoy being involved with painting and doing anything that lets me be creative.

“It helps keep my mind sharp and it’s very relaxing too. I think everyone who joined us was surprised just how much fun it was.”

Newton House staff were particularly pleased to welcome children from Kirktonholme Mearnswood Nursery to the session.

Nursery Manager Robyn Gibson said the children had a fantastic afternoon.

She said: “All the children at the nursery love to get involved with all arts and crafts activities, anything to do with colouring, painting or drawing they absolutely adore!

“It’s also great to see the children and residents interact and get arty together, hearing about the colour therapy has also been insightful and we can’t wait to learn more about it in the future.”

National Care Home Open Day, now in its seventh year, is celebrated across the country on June 28 when thousands of UK care homes open their doors to welcome the public, connect residents with their local communities, and change perceptions of care homes for good.

Newton House Manager Helen Hendrie said she was delighted by the response from the visitors.

She said: “We love the chance to invite the public in to meet our residents and spend time in our home.

“The painting session involved lots of laughter, so it’s fair to say that a good time was had by all. We hope that our visitors got a flavour of the kind of creative activities we do to help our residents boost their wellbeing.”