An Art Fair in Abbey Wood? You mean down the hill, the East of Bexley? Yes, how Abbey Wood has changed following the installation of the Elizabeth Line!

Set in beautiful, ancient woodland and by the ruins of the Abbey, sits the Lesness Abbey Lodge, a modern glass fronted building alongside the landscaped Monks Garden. Here the fourth Abbey Wood Art Fair was hosted, a one day event with 30+ Artists selling their creations.

A new opportunity for Centrepieces and with a team of 4 volunteers, we trooped across the park in glorious sunshine at a seriously early hour, with a selection of paintings from Centrepieces artists. The set up worked like clockwork, aside a short break from being orderly, and in just one hour we had laid out our display area and table with works of Art, clearly labelled with title, Artist and price all on a DIY hanging system.

We were unsure of what to expect, lots of people? no-one? one man and his dog? The day turned out to be fabulous with a steady stream of people wandering through the Fair with their children and dogs in tow. Many people were just opportunistic and in the park and stumbled across the fair, others were family and friends and some Art enthusiasts. With our happy band of volunteers, very few managed to get past our stand without a chat, an explanation and lots of cooing (not the owls). As usual people were happy to buy our beautiful cards and we sold two pieces of Art. The event put a smile onto so many people’s faces as they engaged with artists and then sat in the sun outside. 

That’s the thing with an event, people want to stay, by talking to strangers they then feel connected and enjoy this so stay in the park for longer over going home and being insular.

As we reflected after a lovely day we realised the wider effect of getting Centrepieces out into the community. As a result of the day we expect at least three people to contact to either join as artists or to volunteer.  The band of volunteers all experienced a role engaging the public and valuing  our art and organisation. We worked collaboratively and set up an amazing stand, took it down and all went for a cup of tea afterwards, bonded and triumphant. During the day, and in response to the excellent social media produced by Carla, three members of CP came over to see what was happening and supported the volunteers and also received support from them. A member who has not been for a while came with their mother who was trying to encourage them to re-engage with CP. A new trustee responded to the social media and came and met us all, saw the art and was enthused by our presence at the Art Fair and we all enjoyed a group selfie! We loved engaging with the Trustee, it makes us whole as an organisation. A young artist who has just graduated openly discussed their mental health and I was able to signpost them to SANE arts funding. We all engaged with other artists looking at their work and discussing techniques and effects. 

None of the above would have happened if we hadn’t taken the risk, invested in the fee to take part and given our time and energy to the community and to CP. For me it was an extremely good return on investment!

Volunteers : Jean, Carla, Wendy, Sally, Monique, Paul & Fatma

A special call out to Bozena Koj who organised the Abbey Wood Art Fair, thank you for all your efforts and putting on an event for Artists to engage with their community. @bozartwork

 I have coached many sports and seeing people develop and find Joy in achieving is amazing, a deep part of my life. So when I had to stop sport due to weak bones, I switched my coaching to Art, and it works! 

I love leading workshops at Centrepieces Mental Health Arts Project as when people grow and achieve, I feel great! I realise that this is an experience of Joy. 

Joy is important as it fuels our inner being; so what is Joy? I find it difficult to put into words so here are some bullet points that made sense to me. Sorry for the technical speak that follows but bear with!

Joy is a state developed by our will; you have to commit to being joyous even if you don’t feel it! Believe in Joy even if you don’t feel it now.

You need to seek activity that stimulates our natural neurological process that produces the state of Joy. Example: finishing a painting you like.

We can decide to pursue activity that leads to a state of Joy. (even if we feel down).

Once in the state of Joy we can then stimulate Joy in others 

 Joy is a cycle; it depends on us to choose to energise the cycle by giving and receiving Joy. 

Mother Teresa, ‘The Ambassador of Joy’ said:

“Joy is very infectious; therefore, be always full of joy!”

Hopefully you have read my blog on the reservoir of Joy, If not it’s on this blog.

#LGCartprize2024

To vote for WJC's artwork in the LGC Art Prize 2024, follow this link and vote on entry number 96.

The Theo Paphitis Art Prize this year has chosen the theme of Joy for artists to respond to. This I found both challenging and thought provoking as Joy seems a somewhat difficult concept for someone with anxiety and depression! If they had set sadness. I would have been fine!