The Hive at Orchard Vale Trust, just outside Wells, is delighted to be taking part in this year's Wells Art Contemporary exhibition, open to the publicc from 3rd to 31st August in Wells Cathedral.

This major international art exhibition comprises a gallery of 121 artworks within the Cloisters, as well as 19 site-specific art installations in and around the Cathedral building. 

Sitting alongside these works of art will be three pieces from local community groups. Paddy O'Hagan, WAC Chair, explains. 'We believe in the significant contribution that art makes to our society and over the years have collaborated with charities and groups that use art and creativity as a means to support wellbeing.'

June MacFarlane, WAC Community Projects Co-ordinator, continues: 'This year we are delighted to introduce newcomers Orchard Vale Trust and The Mendip School, whilst welcoming back Imagine, Learn & Create (ILC), who exhibited with us in 2022.'

June has attended sessions with the groups. 'Each one is creating their own communal piece of work,' she says. 'They have all responded brilliantly to the challenges of acquiring new skills, from sewing to clay modelling, and it has been exciting to see the benefits to both the individuals and the group.'

Orchard Vale Trust, which aims to support adults with learning disabilities, provides a residential service but through The Hive, it also offers a day service of activities for non-residents. The group has been busy working on their installation called The Pom Pom Chime. It incorporates a large wooden frame, thirteen chicken wire 'cages' with tassels to resemble bell pulls, and hundreds (500 to be precise) of pom poms.

Meanwhile, ILC is creating an interactive multimedia artwork entitled 'Terrain Journeys' and students at The Mendip School are making bird sculptures for their installation, 'The Mendip Bird Project'.

June felt it was really important that the groups artworks were part of the Installation Show, deserving to be showcased alongside the main contenders. 'We are positioning each one to ensure it fits seamlessly with the exhibition. Visitors are in for a real treat.'

Entry to WAC is included with admission to the Cathedral. For opening times check www.wellsartcontemporary.co.uk