When the project’s core team saw the amount of talented artwork being produced at SkillSHARE’s weekly sessions the idea for an art exhibition was born. From May SkillSHARErs have been busy with their preparations for the autumn’s exhibition.

At the private viewing on Friday evening, one exhibitor, Kyle Collins said: “I’m very excited to see my drawings on display and with a price tag. I’ve taken part in SkillSHARE for a year and it’s helped me express myself through art, grow in confidence and make new friends. The vibe is similar each week even though we do different things.”

Two of Sal Whatley’s mosaics were included in the exhibition. Sal, a member of the core team, said: “Mosaic art is a good thing to do in community. As people tear pieces from magazines and fill in an outline the image just comes together.”

Although crafts are a key part of SkillSHARE, the art exhibition consisted solely of drawings and paintings, except for a vertical Scalextric piece, created by Ian Ward, which actually races!

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SkillSHARE has been a prominent weekly Bodmin event since September 2021. Jon Langford, project manager, said: “SkillSHARE is a space where people find their confidence and discover their potential.”

The innovative project provides a safe place for the sharing and acquisition of competencies, from carpentry to crochet. The group, in its third year, continues to gather every Tuesday from 1pm to 3pm in 81a Fore Street Bodmin. It’s free to attend and is open to everyone.

Jon continued: “SkillSHARE has evolved to include upcycling and selling of goods which brings money back into the project. It promotes self-sufficiency and gives an entrepreneurial edge. “May of this year saw an expansion to the project with the opening of an Art Room next door. Sewing, painting, drawing have all been going on in this dedicated quiet space. The original SkillSHARE is growing too with plenty of creative activities to get involved with. “Being part of something bigger and working with town-wide initiatives is always a joy. Our aim is to continue to support local charities and community groups. We’ve already recycled chairs and tables for intoBodmin and The Beat, and installed kitchen units.”

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Amanda Young, a core team member, said: “To widen the project, SkillSHARE hosted a countywide initiative “Street Draw” weekend, this time last year. Lots of artistic things are happening in the west of the county and it’s good to have something local to plug into. We plan to spread our net wider so that more people experience the therapeutic side of art and painting. If someone leaves a SkillSHARE session feeling better, it’s a success.”

Fay Lewry, the fourth member of the core team, said: “I feel very upbeat about the exhibition. SkillSHARE is a really positive thing for the community. Social prescribing promotes our project and encourages attendance. Everyone is welcome.”

Purposely coinciding with Fun Palaces weekend, the team offered complimentary creative workshops for all ages during the exhibition. Fun Palaces is a community-led campaign that takes place annually. It is a celebration of culture that involves arts, science, craft, tech, digital, heritage, and sports and activities. The events are run by and for communities, showcasing local talent. This fits perfectly with SkillSHARE’s ethos.

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Reflecting on Saturday’s exhibition and workshops, Jon Langford said: “We had a terrific day, selling five pieces and gaining a commission for one of the artists! Around 25 guests attended too. It was all very positive!”

A combination of the core team’s energy, commitment, expertise, strategy and passion alongside the talent of regular participants has enabled SkillSHARE to thrive. SkillSHARE, a project of the family-friendly Bodmin Light and Life Church, is funded by Cornwall Community Foundation. bodminlightandlife.co.uk/skillshare