Artventure Studio Celebrates its 40th Anniversary

Published on: 23 Nov, 2024
Updated on: 24 Nov, 2024

Artventure Studio, a creative day centre for adults with learning disabilities, physical impairments and autism in Merrow, has celebrated its 40th anniversary.

Pictured from left: Artventure trustee Chris Dubois; manager Mariann Kehrling; the chairman of Surrey County Council, Cllr Saj Hussain; trustee Philip Trumble; and the headteacher of St Peter’s Catholic School, Toby Miller.

It coincided with a visit by the chairman of Surrey County Council, Cllr Saj Hussain, who met participants, staff, volunteers and trustees of the charity.

While the creative process is most important, the artists like to show their work to the wider community at local exhibitions.

It currently has its first silent auction, running until December 1, where anyone can bid for pieces in its 40th anniversary collection, with all income going to support the charity.

Click here for details.

In 1984 the charity was launched as Artventure Trust in one of the classrooms of St Peter’s Catholic School in Merrow.

Pictured with Artventure participant Abby is the chairman of Surrey County Council, Cllr Saj Hussain; and trustee Philip Trumble.

Today it has its own studio in the grounds of the school and now has a second studio at Gosden House School in Bramley.

Fifty-five people take part its sessions weekly, with a team of practising artists, art workers and volunteers, who guide them to explore the visual arts and socialise in a safe and fun environment.

The headteacher of St Peter’s Catholic School, Toby Miller, joined the celebration saying how pleased he is with more and more of the school’s students getting involved with Artventure volunteering or spending their work experience there.

The chairman of Surrey County Council, Cllr Saj Hussain, with Artventure participant Sarah.

Artventure was also invited to contribute to the latest end of year art exhibition of the school.

Artventure’s manager, Mariann Kehrling, said: “We are pleased to be able to offer our services in two studios since April. We constantly receive feedback that sessions like ours are much needed and the fact that we are nearing capacity at both sites supports this.”

She added that once someone becomes a member of the Artventure family, whether they are participants or volunteers, they stay for a long time. Magic is in the air during sessions in the studio and many claim the highlight of their week is to come to Artventure.

Volunteer Diana Sands said: “I have such fun working with the participants, we laugh and joke a lot. I look forward to my volunteering days because they are such good company and helping them make art is a joy.”

During December Artventure’s River Wey Collection will be on display at The Hive community centre in Park Barn.

In the lobby of The Electric Theatre theatregoers can enjoy an ever changing display of works by Artventure artists.