‘Inspires, Uplifted and Proud’: Black History Month exhibition by Recovery Pathways
A series of embroidered portraits, created by service users from Recovery Pathways during a Black Arts Project, is currently being shown in an exhibition at The Curve, Prestwich from 17 October – 11 November 2022.
The ‘Inspired, Uplifted and Proud’ exhibition showcases a collection of bold and colourful textile portraits of Black icons. The subject of each piece was chosen, researched, and hand-sewn by service users from Recovery Pathways, a citywide service at Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust.
This Black Arts project was designed and delivered online by Michelle Ayavoro during national lockdown through a series of virtual sessions on Microsoft Teams.
Michelle is a textile artist and worked as a Wellbeing Arts Tutor at Recovery Pathways, who also runs the social enterprise HerArt.
Michelle says,
“My passion is using my creativity and ideas to design and create workshops that make a difference in people’s lives and enables them to recognise and express their creativity.”
Inspired by The Black Lives Matter Movement, Michelle had an overwhelming urge and drive to promote and celebrate positive images of Black people following the tragic death of George Floyd and rising exposure of inequalities and racism still prevalent around the world and in the UK today.
The work on show is a powerful testimony from those who have lived experience of mental ill health and recovery.
The exhibition will be on display from 17 October – 11 November 2022 at The Curve, Bury New Road, Prestwich, M25 3BL which is open to the public from 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday.
Recovery Pathways supports individuals to build futures through art, people and places and find what you need to move on in life at your own pace, close to home by offering a unique and creative range of opportunities for positive mental health and wellbeing.
For more information about Recovery Pathways visit: www.gmmh.nhs.uk/recovery-pathways
