Kells lady features in Braid exhibition

The Emotions Exhibition is a collection of writings and artwork produced by people who have been affected by cancer and will run from Tuesday, February 15, to Friday, February 25 with free admission each day from 9am-10pm.

Breast cancer survivor, great-grandmother Belle McKay (78), from Kells near Ballymena, is exhibiting a watercolour countryside scene in the show.

She says: “I had never painted before, but a friend of mine persuaded me to go to a UCF art therapy session.

“It helped me an awful lot, I found it very soothing and relaxing – you could forget your problems for a while.

“Other people painted different things expressing how they were feeling. I would advise anyone who has cancer or who has recovered to go along and just do your own thing,” said Belle.

“It’s not only painting, you can make cards and do other crafts too. It is a great way to meet new people who understand what you’ve been through. You’ll be able to have a chat and be made to feel very welcome.”

Liz Atkinson, Head of Care Services, UCF, said: “This is a unique exhibition which explores the emotions experienced by people during their cancer journey. We are very proud that all the exhibits on display have been created by people who have used UCF’s services including our art therapy and creative writing services.

“We would like to thank all the contributors for sharing their heartfelt emotions and for so willingly allowing their creative expressions and feelings to be made public. We are also indebted to Ikea and W&G Baird for their support.”

For further information about UCF’s art therapy or creative writing sessions please call Leonne Wheatley on 028 9066 3281 or email [email protected]

An accompanying ‘Emotions’ book of artwork and writing which explores themes including hope, loss of identity, abandonment, release, anger, hurt and fighting spirit will be available to purchase at the Exhibition for a special introductory price of £5 or to order a copy please call UCF on 028 9066 3281. All proceeds from the sale of the book will go to help support UCF services.