Mind Body Soul Exhibition

Mind Body Soul Exhibition - An Interactive Community Event

August 5th – 13th - 2017

Venue: Leeson House, Langton Matravers, Swanage, Dorset. BH19 3EU

Please click HERE to go to the Mind Body Soul website, to see the full details

There is a very special fine art exhibition happening in the stunning Isle of Purbeck this summer, in the form of a collaboration between distinguished local artists Andrew Thomas; sculptor, and Phil Hill; painter.

This will be held at the magnificent venue of Leeson House in Langton Matravers, near Swanage in Dorset; a former Mansion House, now used as a field studies centre, set in its own 7-acres of diversely landscaped grounds.

The ‘Mind Body Soul’ exhibition will be focused on the relationship between art and wellbeing; promoting the therapeutic benefits of creative practice for all forms of physical and psychological health issues. To that end, the artists are supporting the incredible work of the Alzheimer’s Society charity, who offer an outstanding service supporting people living with dementia nationwide, and who will have a presence at the venue throughout the duration of the exhibition, offering information, help and advice to any visitors that may need it.

Andrew and Phil haven’t exhibited together since 2012, and are promising a real showcase of their art to celebrate this rare occasion. They will be bringing together a large body of their work, throughout Leeson House, and in four designated gallery rooms, each with its own ambiance and style. This will be an inspiring opportunity for the visitors to meet the artists and experience their most recent works, which will be unveiled at the exhibition.

Andrew will be debuting his latest series of bronze limited edition sculptures, “designed and created with heart and soul”, to produce truly unique works of spiritual art. These thought provoking pieces reflect the essence of our innermost consciousness, and resonate a divine transcendent energy. He will also be exhibiting a comprehensive number of his other bronze editions, a selection of his original works, and some inspirational pieces from his own collection of award winning work that he has made over the past 30 years.

Phil will be showcasing a broad range of his new avant-garde paintings, with an explosion of colour and exquisite form, exploring the depths of surreal and abstract design in his unique and distinguishable style, created to challenge and impact on the viewers’ senses. Phil suffered a serious debilitating illness in 2004. Gradually returning to health, he found that resuming his love of painting significantly aided his recovery. He calls his style of painting “anti depressionism!”. As well as showing his latest work, there will also be a retrospective of some of Phil’s earlier paintings.

In addition to the fine art showcase, the concept of the exhibition is to promote the healing qualities of art as a therapy, and to utilise the complete venue for creative practises throughout the duration of the exhibition.

Andrew and Phil said:

"There is growing awareness of the benefits of art as a therapy, which can help to promote healing and a sense of wellbeing for anyone that exercises their creativity, be it; poetry, music, photography, cooking, dress making, sculpture, painting and so on. Creativity runs through the veins of all people, it is not selective, it is innate in the fabric of our nature, and provides a great sense of pleasure and self-discovery to all those who partake".

"As a gift to our Purbeck community and beyond, we would like to invite anyone interested in the arts, to come along to Leeson House, with either your easel, camera, sketching pad, musical instrument, or whatever artistic medium that you use, find a quiet spot of your choice, and simply let your creativity flow into the atmosphere. Clubs and groups are most welcome, as we have seven beautiful acres to enjoy, with woodlands and sensational vistas over the Purbeck hills and Swanage. We would also actively encourage anyone living with dementia, or any other psychological or physical issues, to come along to the venue to enjoy the uplifting qualities of the art on show and participate in the creative atmosphere. For those that are new to the creative practices, we will be providing a selection of free drawing materials to encourage their participation".

"There will also be a community sculpture; ‘the soul tree’, for all visitors to add their creative essence, special activities for children (a small fee may be charged), a quiet tranquil space for peaceful contemplation, indoor and outdoor facilities for memory cafes, dementia groups, carers groups, art groups etc, plus many other surprises yet to be confirmed".

"Our vision for the Mind Body Soul Exhibition is to fill this venue with creativity every day, and transform it into a living, breathing work of art".

Inquiries: Christine Thomas – email: therapy@christinet.co.uk or Tel: 07802638126