Going on a creative journey (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Going on a creative journey

2:10pm Thursday 1st July 2010 in

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AN exhibition taking place this month at The Radlett Centre charts the artistic journey of members of a local studio.

Janine Greenberg runs the Creative Hands studio at her home, and 25 of her students – 15 adults and ten children – will be taking part in the exhibition.

Janine says members are of all abilities and ages, and the work on show includes pastels, oil paintings, sculptures and paper maché .

“A lot of them painted when they were young and have come back to art,“ she says. “It’s incredible how well they’ve done. I try and encourage them and get the best from them.

“You can’t do anything wrong in art. It’s about turning something round you’re not pleased with and getting the right results. When I was growing up I learnt by observation. It’s about getting them to play with art and not be frightened. It’s about working with them and finding the best for them.“ Originally from South Africa, Janine is a qualified architect, but has always painted. She has won a number of awards for design, enamelling and engraving.

She says her love of painting and drawing has been a catalyst for change in her life, and has strengthened her belief that “all people need to access their creative souls, in order to live full and balanced lives“.

This passion led her to set up Creative Hands in 2002. Since its inception, she says the studio has helped many people to improve their creative ability and overall sense of wellbeing.

In addition, Janine also works with schools as well as dementia sufferers in a local care home.

“I really love and believe in what I do and I think that comes out in the classes,“ she adds.

The Creative Hands exhibition takes place at The Radlett Centre, Aldenham Avenue, Radlett, July 6 to 30. Details: 01923 859291, www.radlettcentre.co.uk