An exhibition of paintings by residents at Fletcher House in Wells has been put on to raise funds for the home.

Artist Glenda Maynard approached Fletcher House to offer voluntary painting sessions last year and put on an exhibition of the artworks.

A total of 20 paintings have been sold.

The exhibition was originally proposed for December at Seager Hall, Union Street but the snow put a stop to it so Glenda put it on again at the home.

The exhibition has now finished but their work will be displayed in the dining room on a permanent basis for all visitors to view.

Glenda said: “I am so proud of them and what they have achieved, many have disabilities and find it very therapeutic taking their mind off any worries or pains for a couple of hours.

“Family members cannot believe they have painted a picture that is completely unique and given them a sense of self-worth.”

“The eldest resident in my class has just turned 101, she has never painted before and is loving every minute of the session,” she added.

Dear Glenda,

Thank you so much for the pictures and for all you did to create the wonderful exhibition on Saturday. I am glad I was able to make it to see what you have achieved, which is really fantastic. The quality of the paintings is very good and you have clearly given much pleasure and purpose to the lives of our residents already. This really is something very special and you should take great pride in what you have achieved.

It was a pity that the weather prevented a greater turnout to view the exhibition and purchase the paintings. I am sure if you are willing to do it again it will catch further levels of interest.

You have given us much to think about in terms of how we can promote more work on the arts within all our care homes. Many congratulations on all you have achieved so far.

Andrew Larpent
Chief Executive
Somerset Care Group

Budding artists from Fletcher House, in Wells, are putting on an exhibition of their work.

Local artist Glenda Maynard works with the group for two afternoons each week teaching watercolour painting.

Many of the group had no previous experience before starting the classes and the sessions also provide an opportunity to get together and have a chat.

Glenda approached Fletcher House this year to offer voluntary painting sessions.

She said: “Art has transformed my life in more ways than I could possibly imagine.

“It is very therapeutic and can take your mind off any worries or pains.”

“The residents have enjoyed painting so much and are so very proud of their work that I thought the public should see what they have achieved.”

St Cuthbert’s Paper Mill at Wookey Hole supplied the art paper, Pricelis Art in Holcombe supplied the mounts and St Andrew’s Press in Wells printed the invitations for the official opening of the exhibition, at Seager Hall in Wells tomorrow.

The Mayor of Wells will visit the exhibition on Saturday, when the public will be able to view and buy the paintings, which will raise funds for Fletcher House.

A total of 100 paintings will be on show, costing £10 each.

The exhibition will be open from 10am to 4pm and refreshments will be available.

The exploration Company, a local schools expedition company, has been presented with a picture of Machu Picchu by Wells artist Glenda Maynard.

Based in Wells, the Exploration Company offers school and corporate expeditions to a wide range of destinations including Peru, Tanzania, and Iceland.

Having been on a trip to Peru with her son, Glenda painted the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu and wanted this to be hung somewhere which would reflect her interest in adventure and travel.

She approached the Exploration Company because of the work it does encouraging young people to discover different cultures and environments abroad.

During school expeditions the Exploration company tries to give students the chance to grow and learn in a different culture and environment, enabling them to experience and appreciate new countries while still having the time of their life.

School expeditions often involve a community or environmental project. Past projects have included converting an old building into a library, construction of a classroom, turtle conservation work and even helping out in a small Costa Rican cheese producers.

The Kings Head in Wells has its first art exhibition in the newly furbished function room upstairs.

Licensee Steve Wilson says: “It makes sense to offer it to local artists as free gallery space on one of Somerset’s busiest high streets. There should be a lot more mixing of the arts with everyday spaces, as I think a lot of us appreciate art but don’t find the spare time in our modern lifestyles to pursue it.”

Two local artists Glenda Maynard and Geoff Dickson will be showing a colourful collection of paintings and photographs, many of which are from their best selling collection of Wells and surrounding areas.

This first exhibition runs from 10th to 13th November at the Kings Head, and from 15th to 21st at Wells Museum.

Christmas at the Courthouse Gallery, Somerton offers a wonderful bespoke, original selection of work by Somerset’s local craftspeople at Christmas … perfect for those special gifts that will be treasured for years. The seasonal exhibition opens next weekend.

The exhibition features Glenda Maynard’s vibrant palette knife painting of Wells Market, a meticulously drawn Giclee print of an old house, with every detail of stone and slate lovingly rendered by artist David Fisher.

John Collins’ acrylic, Summer By Canal Basin, shows children running through long grass.

Sandra Brant’s Altered Elements is a dramatic mix of feathers and swirling light.

Old Bakery Artists was set up some years ago to provide a forum for practising artists from in and around the Norton Radstock area.

It includes a number of professional artists as well as semi-professionals and keen amateurs, and its catchment area is gradually extending beyond its original confines.

The Old Bakery Artists meet at the Fromeway Inn, Radstock on the last Thursday of each month.

The exhibition comes to an end on Saturday and is open between 11am and 4pm.

Admission is free.

The Old Bakery Artists brings a new and exciting art trail to the Radstock, Midsomer Norton and Paulton area from Thursday, May 14 to Sunday, May 17.