Art at the Tree House, Elephant Park – 2025-26
Posted: 16th June 2026We’ve enjoyed another year of creative exploration at the Tree House, with a series of engaging, artist-led programmes for local people living with dementia and their companions. These regular sessions provide a welcoming, supportive space to connect, express and create together.
Across the year, participants explored a wide range of art forms including animation, dance, printmaking, photography and creative writing. You can read more about each of these below.
“I knew this would be the right place for him. Whatever you have done today has been great for him. He is really calm and focused. He is talking clearly and I’m really happy”
Companion Participant
1: Animation
Under the guidance of Lily Sakula, participants created imaginative animations using drawing, storyboarding and stop-motion techniques. Found objects, light and texture were used to develop characters and collaborative short films. The workshops concluded with a joyful film premiere, bringing everyone together to celebrate their creations over popcorn.
“Inspired. I’m always inspired when I am here.”
Participant
2: Dance
Inspired by Sleeping Beauty and delivered in partnership with English National Ballet, this programme invited participants to respond to music through movement. Over the weeks, participants built expressive routines together, developing choreography and contributing their own creative ideas. Scarves, percussion instruments and live music enriched the sessions, supporting both group connection and individual creativity.
“I’m so grateful for these classes, it’s so wonderful to be able to move our bodies”
Participant
3: Printmaking
Through printmaking workshops led by Lucy Grainge, participants experimented with bold colours, textures and layered mark-making techniques. Collaborative activities and individual experimentation encouraged participants to build increasingly complex and expressive works over time. Final outcomes included handmade concertina books and a celebratory display of both individual and collaborative artwork.
“I love learning new skills and techniques”
Participant
4: Photography
Using a handmade box camera, artists Chiara and Claudia introduced participants to experimental approaches to photography. Working in groups, they explored portraiture and still life, before decorating the photographs using collage and mixed media. The programme concluded with the creation of mini photo albums documenting the group’s shared creative journey.
“This class is amazing!”
Participant
5: Poetry and writing
Music, storytelling and sensory prompts formed the basis of this creative writing programme led by Elida Silvey. Participants reflected on familiar songs, shared memories and created poems using prompts, objects and collage. Each session concluded with the creation of a collaborative poem bringing together participants’ words, memories and ideas.
“Lots of me gets hidden away, I hide it away, but here I can share it”
Participant
