The Shared Horizon/KYN Brushstrokes and Banter Projects Celebration Exhibition launch event 4th March 2026  

It was time to celebrate, as the Shared Horizon and KYN Brushstrokes and Banter community groups, carers, volunteers and NHS staff across Barnsley came together to view their artwork on display at the Celebration Exhibition launch event held at the Cooper Gallery. This joyous event was attended by over 80 attendees from various groups of people who had been experiencing loneliness and isolation, mainly in rural communities. These groups were BIADS Dementia Support, NHS Stroke Recovery, Weavers Court Sheltered Housing, Culture Companions, Bolton on Dearne Natter Friendship and Hoylandswaine Friendship groups  

The Celebration Exhibition event was buzzing with the sound of chatter and smiling people, excited to see their artwork on show. The exhibition showcased the groups colourful creative, print work, lino landscapes, fabric collages, knitted landscapes and a digital display of photographs capturing the attendees creating the artworks in the Sadler Room, Cooper Gallery.  

These fabulous creative artworks were created as part of the Shared Horizon/KYN Brushstrokes and Banter projects wellbeing health programme, where BMBC artists worked with participants during 24 art activity sessions, designed to help combat the effects of loneliness and isolation. The project worked with 111 group attendees, carers, volunteers and NHS staff. 

The event also provided coach transport for groups, refreshments and a warm space to allow the group to share stories, chat and network. Attendees were able to take home any of their artwork that isn’t featured in the Sadler Room corridor display.  

 The Celebration Exhibition runs until Sunday 26 July 2026 at The Cooper Gallery Sadler Room corridor.  

‘I just wanted to say what an amazing morning I had yesterday at our exhibition. I have never had so much praise said to me! If I had been savvy, I should have offered commissions lol. Anyhow thank you everyone for your contribution to this. 

Now……got the confidence to work on my book.’ Rachel Mann (Weavers Court)

                                                                                     

I just cannot not believe it, I’ve never been in an art gallery before I thought it was just for posh folk. And I’ve now got a piece of my art in the Cooper Gallery. Brenda (Hoylandswaine Friendship Group) 

‘Thank you for a wonderful afternoon so much fun to see our work meaning something. I’m going to send the group photo to the Bolton Upon Dearne website to show everyone. 

We do appreciate your support and time putting together this brilliant day x’  Janet Sykes (Bolton Upon Dearne Knit and natter group)