Artventure Trust - 41 Years of Helping Adults with Learning Disabilities, Physical Impairments and Autism to Build their Confidence & Self Esteem Through Art.

Peter Cluff – High Sheriff of Surrey visists Artventure in Merrow to meet the designer of his Christmas Card and meet other artists

My family and I are very much lovers of art and one of my proudest moments during this past year has been witnessing the conception of ‘Guildford Festival of the Arts’ which was co-founded by our daughter Charlie.

It was therefore very fitting that the High Sheriff’s Christmas card this year was designed by one of the amazing artists – Nico, from the Guildford based day centre for adults with learning disabilities, physical impairments and autism – The Artventure Trust.

Our timely visit had two purposes – to meet and thank Nico for his wonderful design whilst recording a festive greeting and also to find out more about Artventure and meet more of the people who benefit from this brilliant organisation.

Suzanne and I were greeted by manager Mariann Kehrling, who escorted us to the purpose built facility in the grounds of St. Peter’s School in Merrow. From the moment you enter the building it is a visual delight with brightly coloured artworks occupying every space on the walls. The standard of the art is impressive with a wide range of media and subject matter and the environment is perfect for the artists who enjoy a safe space in which to be creative at the same time as making friends with a shared interest.

Founded in 1984, the charity which celebrated its 40th anniversary last year with a reception to launch an auction of artworks at West Horsley Place, (recently renovated and featured in the TV sitcom – ‘Ghosts’), now also has a branch at ‘Gosden school in Bramley. The dedicated staff of volunteers, some of whom have been in situ for many years, are all very passionate about their roles, adding to the stability of the charity. As well as Nico, we spoke with regular attendees, Peter, Tom, Amy and Sophie about their current projects and experiences and were very much inspired by their achievements. What an amazing facility and it is very obvious that having a place like Artventure gives the artists the chance to develop their creative and communication skills, building their confidence and self esteem – art really can make a big difference.

Find out more and donate at www.art-venture.co.uk.