People from across the Borders are being invited to make their own unique contribution to a piece of art that is being produced to reflect the numerous donations that are being made to The Margaret Kerr Unit Appeal.
‘Lasting impressions’ will be a mosaic of handmade tiles created by Jedburgh-based artist Clair Norris. Each tile will be imprinted with fabrics and objects that will give texture to the piece. The tiles will be built up into a number of hexagonal panels designed to flow across the wall of one of the day lounges within the new palliative care unit at the Borders General Hospital. Their layout will hint at the Borders rolling hills and rivers, and the patchwork of fields.
“Art will be an embedded component of The Margaret Kerr Unit and aspires to offer calming reflection and uplifting enjoyment of the arts during a patient’s stay in the Unit,” explains Jane Kelly, Art Co-ordinator for The Margaret Kerr Unit.
“An increasing body of research evidences that well designed environments can contribute positively to health and wellbeing. This is deemed particularly significant for hospitals where the stress experienced by patients and visitors can potentially be reduced by a healing environment created through a co-ordinated combination of architecture, interior design, landscape and art. Following an invitation to artists issued earlier in the year a total of seven commissions have been awarded, each of which will bring something very different to this purpose built specialist unit.”
The team responsible for the creation of The Margaret Kerr Unit would like as many people as possible to contribute to ‘Lasting Impressions’ and invite you to a drop-in workshop on Thursday, September 6, in discussion rooms 2 & 3 in the Education Centre at the Borders General Hospital between 10am and 4pm. You may wish to create a tile in memory of a loved one, to represent a donation that you have made to the appeal, or simply to express yourself and contribute to this unique piece of work. The process takes approximately 10 minutes. Items used in past projects have included wedding rings, other jewellery and vintage lace. The item you choose to bring will not be damaged by the process. The design of ‘Lasting Impressions’ also allows for growth and new panels will be added organically over time.
To register your interest or for further information please contact Clare Oliver on 01896 828261.
Please note that booking is not necessary, although it would be helpful to know if you intend to participate. You do not have to have made a donation to The Margaret Kerr Unit appeal to participate, although there will be an opportunity to do so, should you wish.