On the 13th of December R Young Art Gallery helped host and judge West London NHS Trust's 'Artist of the Year 2022'.
Ali Webster, Deputy Director of Organisational Development (pictured below, third left) established Brush Parties as part of a programme of wellbeing initiatives for staff. As art therapy is known to have a beneficial effect on wellbeing - and for mental health in particular – they were introduced to the Trust.
Hosted virtually through Zoom, staff from across the organisation are brought together to create their own painting. With a variety of art materials provided, staff are then guided step-by-step by a Brush Party artist.
The Brush Parties have been held every month since May and the Trust has seen some amazing artwork produced by their staff. With the help of the workforce team, Ali decided that it would be great to find our ‘Artist of the Year’ and called upon the expertise of local multi-award-winning artist, Richard Young.
Artwork created at Brush Party wellbeing events were submitted by NHS staff and shortlisted to be entered into the final. Having shortlisted 10 paintings from over 50 entries, Richard and Ali were joined by Trust Chairman, Tom Hayhoe and Gallery Assistant Amelia Wyatt, to select the first ever West London Artist of the Year. The paintings were then displayed in-house at the gallery for the live judging process.
Tom Hayhoe, Trust Chair helped judge the event saying he “really enjoyed being present for the culmination of the 2022 Brush Party.” Adding, “It’s been a great way to bring people together across the Trust and it seems only fitting that we ended up with worthy winners from all over our Trust sites.”
1st place – Tina Chim – with The Bridge (above left)
2nd place - Magenta Wintershall – with Lamp Light (above middle)
3rd place - Bethany Western – with Santorini (above right).
Aside from wearing the title of becoming our first West London Artist of the Year winner, Tina and the lucky runners up will receive a selection of art goodies.
