For centuries, the therapeutic value of art on mental wellbeing has been recognised. Even the renowned artist Picasso is quoted as saying 'Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.' Over many years the annual CCA Art & Photographic Competition has been privileged to attract many beautiful and original pieces of art in a wide range of media and styles created by service users and carers.
2018 Winner!
Lift The Cloud - The Big Blanket Project
Lift the Cloud - The Big Blanket Project
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“I was delighted to be asked to judge the CCA Annual Art & Photographic competition again this year. There were a record number of entries and the standard was extremely high. “The Lift the Cloud Big Blanket Project” stood out to me. The big blanket is a wonderfully, bright, and eye catching piece of crocheted art. It meets the brief - The Road to Recovery- perfectly. It’s fantastic that as the group collaborate together on the blanket, they assist each other in their recoveries. It reflects that recovery is an ongoing process, the blanket grows as the group members continue on their journey of recovery. I hope this fantastic community project continues to grow and grow.” Naomi Tipping, Art & Photographic Competition Judge |
About the Project
Sally Williams founded Lift The Cloud in November 2017. It provides mental health support for those within the town of Bury St. Edmunds and now has over 160 members.
"We are just like minded people that get together and support one another. We meet regularly and have now introduced art therapy into our sessions. I am an avid knitter/crocheter and I decided to encourage our members to have a go! So this is the beginning. As new members join they will always be welcome to add to it. They were asked to use colours that reflected their mood, and could use any form of pattern. Some have gone for direct mental health symbols such as the semi colon that represents suicide."
Sally Williams, Founder of Lift the Cloud.
"We are just like minded people that get together and support one another. We meet regularly and have now introduced art therapy into our sessions. I am an avid knitter/crocheter and I decided to encourage our members to have a go! So this is the beginning. As new members join they will always be welcome to add to it. They were asked to use colours that reflected their mood, and could use any form of pattern. Some have gone for direct mental health symbols such as the semi colon that represents suicide."
Sally Williams, Founder of Lift the Cloud.
Highly Commended
"The Healing Power of Trees - Westonbirt Arboretum" by Ruth Revell
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The Healing Power of Trees - Westonbirt Arboretum
“This powerful image came highly commended because the photograph and accompanying blog really told the story of this artist’s personal “Road to Recovery”. I love the stillness of the image, for that moment - peace and escape, and we can “see the light” through the branches of the trees.” Click below to read the accompanying blog: |
 "Women Walking - Peace Will Come" by Anonymous
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"Women Walking - Peace Will Come"
"The technical ability in this beautiful painting really stood out. Despite the overall feeling of chaos and confusion we can see the women, standing strong and facing forwards together on their “Road to Recovery”." |