Art Together: Mary's Story

Art Together is an Art Therapy group for people with dementia and their carers. During the Winter of 2024/25, the group received funding from the Bristol Climate and Nature Partnership as part of the Climate and Disability strand of the Community Climate Action Project, funded by the National Lottery's Climate Action Fund. This is Mary's story.

The Courage in New Beginnings

When Mary first heard about the Art Together group from a friend, she felt apprehensive about attending. Like many of us facing new social situations, she worried about practical matters rather than the art itself.

'At first when I started coming I was a bit unsure, I suppose. More about things like whether I could get to the toilet in time and stuff like that. Not really the art, but these things.'

Those initial concerns quickly faded as Mary settled into the group.

'I was really pleased that those sort of things were not a problem, and I did enjoy it so much and didn't ever not want to come.'

Now, Mary would be 'very upset' if Art Together ever had to stop. The group has become an important part of her life.

From Frustration to Freedom

Mary's relationship with art hasn't always been easy. Early on, she struggled with her own expectations.

'Sometimes I am emotionally affected by what we do [the art activities]. I don't know why. I do enjoy it, increasingly enjoy it but I struggled with the frustration that I can't do anything very, very artistic or really any good!'

As our Art Therapist observed, Mary's expectations of herself were initially very high, and not meeting those expectations was upsetting. But over time, something remarkable happened: Mary found freedom from those self-imposed standards.

'I feel a lot happier about that now, not that I've improved in my art, but look, it doesn't matter anymore. I just used to get frustrated that I wasn't any good at what I was trying to do. But I do enjoy it more now, because I think, well, I don't care!'

Creativity Without Judgement

One of the special aspects of Art Together is the freedom it gives participants. Mary appreciates being able to work on her own artistic projects, often drawing inspiration from art books she brings along.

'I usually do start something, or sometimes if I haven't finished it, I put it by and then bring it out again and do a bit more to it.'

What makes this environment unique is the absence of judgement. As Mary explains:

'Everybody has different ideas [and] here there's not much judgement. We're just doing what we can and what we enjoy... Sometimes we put the pictures on the wall, sometimes they are rather extraordinary. Sometimes they are… very good! Well to say, sometimes they are rather… you wonder what they are!'

Art and Friendship

Beyond the creative outlet Art Together provides, Mary values the social connections she's made.

'I enjoy the others, who I'm with. We all get along really well I think, don't we, in this group? I enjoy the people. They are all very friendly.'

These connections develop naturally over time:

'Well, just who you happen to be sitting next to, then you do kind of make a bit of a connection with them. Then gradually when a new person comes, you get to know them and have a chat.'

Supporting Mental Wellbeing

Perhaps most significantly, Mary has found that Art Together has helped with other aspects of her mental health beyond dementia.

'I've had a lot of mental health issues other than dementia, when I was younger. But those I am much more able to cope with now… I just get fed up on occasion! But I don't have a depression like I used to, and I'm sure coming here is so helpful.'

Mary's self-esteem has improved noticeably:

'[I feel] a little bit more comfortable and a little bit more, not so worried about myself. Self-esteem, I suppose you'd say… And yeah, I did used to get quite upset. But now I don't so much. I think well you know, what the hell! I just get on with it and do it!'

Our Art Therapist has noticed this positive change, commenting that Mary doesn't just get upset less often but seems to be feeling more positive about herself and her creative work.

'I think that's true. And that is due to the group, isn't it? I think. Well of course it is. And being here, meeting other people.'

Discovering Redcatch Community Garden

The Art Together sessions take place here at Redcatch Community Garden in our beautiful Canopy space, which has become another source of joy in Mary's life. She now visits the Garden outside of these sessions, accompanied by one of her carers.

'I just enjoy the garden, enjoy the breeze on the flowers and just enjoy the things that are there. And of course it's just nice to see the children enjoying the park.'

Mary also appreciates that the Community Garden is truly inclusive:

'Everyone! And oh, so many activities! If I had some more time I would join in with some other things like singing.'

The Healing Power of Nature

Spending time in nature has been beneficial for Mary's sense of wellbeing, both mentally and physically.

'I spent time in our own garden and my carers both have some interest in the garden. But of course I'm not able so much now to be digging or doing anything too energetic, but I still have ideas.'

Even simple activities like weeding can be enjoyable on a nice day. As Mary says:

'It just affects your mood, doesn't it?'

Adapting to Changing Weather

The changing weather patterns have had an impact on Mary, highlighting the importance of accessible green spaces.

'So, anything, just being outside I find very helpful. That's very helpful to my mood and it's very depressing if the weather is awful.'

Our Art Therapist noted that changes in weather can affect Mary quite strongly because she's less resilient to different weather conditions than she would be if she were younger. When it's raining, it can be really hard for her to get out.

Mary agrees and takes advantage of good weather when it comes:

'You've got to really kind of think, oh it's a nice day today, make the most of it. You've often got to think about making the most when you get a nice day and perhaps somebody will take you to the Garden Centre!'

Finding a Poetic Voice

Perhaps one of the most inspiring developments in Mary's journey has been her discovery of poetry. Inspired by her connection with nature, she began writing poems about a year ago.

'Most of them when I started writing were mostly about nature in some way, like 'Our Garden In May' and stuff like that…'

One beautiful example came during a holiday:

'We were staying on holiday, and I was sitting outside. And I woke early, which I do, so I stepped outside on the balcony. And then I did write a poem around that and about where we were staying. The dawn broke and a little bird tweeted. That sort of thing….'

The Ripple Effect of Creativity

Mary's poetry has had a remarkable ripple effect in the Art Together group. As our Art Therapist explains:

'I think that group's quite powerful in how people learn things from each other and pick up things from each other. So I've never written poetry before, and I've never connected with poetry at all, but I have started writing poetry in this group, and I wouldn't have done that without meeting Mary.'

Even more touching, another group member who struggles with reading and writing was inspired to write a poem for his mother's funeral and shared it with the group.

'I know things have opened up for me through meeting you, as with all the other people in the group, and I think that's a beautiful thing about this Garden is that that's what kind of happens…'

Accessibility Matters

Practical improvements to the Community Garden have made a difference to Mary's experience. She uses a walker and appreciates that the paths have been changed to make them more accessible.

'There are seats to sit on. [My carer] comes with me and we walk around the area which is just a good path that you can easily [walk on] with my walker and sit down on the seat for a little while and then have a drink.'

Despite mobility challenges, Mary can enjoy the garden:

'My walking is not very amazing, but I can get around. I can get around the garden.'

Art Together is made possible through funding from the Bristol Climate & Nature Partnership, part of the Climate and Disability strand of the Community Climate Action Project, funded by the National Lottery's Climate Action Fund.

If you'd like to learn more about our activities or support our work, please head to redcatchcommunitygarden.com for more info and to get in touch!