'Navigating Life' exhibition touches a chord

'Amazing Nets' - recycling coloured nylon bags that normally hold fruit, veg and firewood are turned into 'a visual maze with no clear way to proceed.'

It was billed as an exhibition of painting, pottery, poetry and more... Former Alton Anna Chaplain Helen Jesty and Anna Friend Becky Shaylor have collaborated in the past and this latest Spring display of their own work - with contributions from other local groups and individuals - filled St Paul's Church in Winchester over two days, Friday and Saturday March 21 and 22.

'Navigating Life- You and Me Both' was the theme, and there were more than twenty exhibits, plus a catalogue to guide visitors who were treated to plenty of refreshments. All ages had collaborated, for example, St Paul's Pre-school children walked over white paper in their paint-covered feet to create an installation: 'Stairway to the Stars.'

'Stairway to the Stars'

There were examples of local prisoners pottery exhibits filling part of the church's mezzanine area (which could be bought for a donation) as well as Becky's 'Guardian Angels' flying off the shelf at £5 each!

'Guardian Angels'

The exhibition showcased the achievements of significant interior work by many who are 'on the margins of society; 'giving us new insights, spurring us on by their resilience and courage.' Members of the city's Ukrainian community were thanked for also supplying some of their own art work for display.

Becky Shaylor and Helen Jesty exhibiting in 2024

'I visited last Friday' said Debbie Thrower, Anna Chaplaincy's Pioneer, 'and I was struck by the colour and ingenuity of so much that had been created. Both Helen and Becky have such talent, coupled with a gift for drawing out the creativity of others.'

'Garden of Delights'

'I especially loved the 'Garden of Delights' she said, which filled the entire altar-space, the result of people from St Paul's visiting Tegfield care home in Winchester to join their activity coordinator Yolanda and residents in making beautiful paper flowers. Becky and residents at Bramshott Grange care home had also created stunning peacocks which made spectacular garden centre-pieces.'

St Paul's provides weekly lunches - 'Have a Meal on Us' (HaMoU) - and there was an artistic representation of the 'lunch table' symbolic of the way 'room is always made for newcomers':

'a place of nourishment for body, mind and spirit. A warm welcome awaits everyone. The guests love coming and the volunteers love them back.'

'Have a Meal on Us'

Panels of colourful pictures beneath a Station of the Cross, came from Becky's involvement with Dementia-friendly Alton. 'Creative and Curious' is the name of the group's weekly art sessions. 'Facilitators and volunteers try, wherever possible, to let the members each develop the theme or arty activity provided in their own way. Energy is released by being with others, sharing ideas... and valuing what everyone offers.'

'Creative and Curious'

'At a time when the need for better mental health is such a topical issue, it's great to see Helen and Becky - a really established artistic partnership - featuring their own work and the creative accomplishments and others in this high-quality way.'

'They discovered the synergy of their work when colleagues in Alton's Anna Chaplaincy more than a decade ago and it's great to see the fresh directions their art is taking them in... in 2026.'

Last year Charlie Shaylor designed the Mayor of Alton's Christmas card. This went on to win him first prize in a national Dementia in Arts Competition

Amazing Nets' life wisdom - courtesy of Winnie the Pooh

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