An Interview with - ARTHOUSE Meath

When the Little Master P was born we were inundated with an array of wonderful new baby cards, however, one stood out more than most.

Congratulations on your new baby.  Don't drop him.

This humorous cute card came from my cousin Katie, who volunteers for a wonderful organisation called ARTHOUSE Meath, a social enterprise supporting individual artists with severe epilepsy and learning difficulties to create artworks and products for sale.  I myself work for a local charity who support individuals with Autism, so I completely appreciate the importance of such organisations in raising awareness while empowering individuals within their own skills sets and abilities.  The creative mind behind the ARTHOUSE Meath is incredible, turning simple detailed drawings of dogs, horses, birds, teapots, scissors and lots more into beautiful products which include cards, wrapping paper, tea towels, baby bibs (i got one of those too!) jewellery, mugs, just check out the Online Shop for the full range of products.

I would like to introduce you now to both a volunteer and an artist from ARTHOUSE Meath to tell you all about the service and products.

VOLUNTEER (Katie Abbott)

How long have you been volunteering at ARTHOUSE Meath?

Just over a year now. ARTHOUSE Meath has existed as a service to the clients (artists) for about 8 years but it only evolved into the full blown high street shop last April, which is when I joined.

 How and why did you decide to become a volunteer?

About 6 years ago when I moved to Godalming I fell in love with an ARTHOUSE Meath painting that was in an exhibition in a local pottery shop. It was through that painting that I found out more about the ARTHOUSE and the work they did there.  Over the years I bought a few prints whenever I stumbled across ARTHOUSE Meath selling at local town fairs. Then, when I saw that they had moved into an empty shop in the high street and were advertising for volunteers I rang up straight away and asked if I could get involved.

Can you describe what the ARTHOUSE Meath is?

ARTHOUSE Meath is a social enterprise that celebrates and values the artistic talents of adults with severe epilepsy and learning disabilities. Clients come to the ARTHOUSE both from the Meath Trust, a residential home in Godalming, and from the community. Professional artists run two sessions a day in which the clients sketch, draw and paint under guidance from the artist. The work is then framed and sold in the shop and at art fairs. Often, an element of a painting or sketch will be transferred onto a product. Currently the ARTHOUSE produces hand printed cards, T-shirts, baby ware, as well as wrapping paper, mugs, jugs, tea towels, cushions, notebooks and jewellery. The list is endless and ever growing. These products are then also sold in the shop, online on the ARTHOUSE Meath website, Not on the High Street and Amazon, and in over 80 stockists across the country. All profits go back into sustaining ARTHOUSE Meath and anything beyond that goes back into The Meath Trust itself.

Having read your recent post on the ARTHOUSE Meath blog it is clear that you are very passionate about the service.  What makes it such a wonderful environment to work in?

There are lots and lots of great things about ARTHOUSE Meath.  But for me I would have to say that primarily it is the people that make it such a special place. Not only the team of people who have had the vision and commitment to make the ARTHOUSE Meath exist - from the trustees, to the ARTHOUSE Director, to the volunteers and all the people in between - but the clients themselves. Sitting and chatting with them, watching how much they enjoy creating beautiful art, and being there with them when one of their designs sells - seeing just how much it means to them - all of these things make it a wonderful place to spend time. 

How do you think the clients benefit from ARTHOUSE Meath?

Without doubt the clients benefit from achieving a sense of pride in themselves. For them to be told verbally, but also commercially through the popularity of their work, that they are creating things of beauty and worth is so precious.That sense of pride is a wonderful thing to foster. I know that they all also love feeling part of the community - both in the sense that they are at the heart of a close knit team at ARTHOUSE Meath, but also in the sense that the ARTHOUSE's physical presence in the High Street puts them at the centre of the action in town. Every day customers come in and admire the work, buy the work and chat away to the clients. It is a really rewarding experience for everyone involved.  

Describe your day at ARTHOUSE Meath?

It varies from week to week, but usually I'll arrive and take over in the shop from the volunteer who worked the morning shift. Then I'll find out if there are any jobs that need doing, for example folding and packing cards or packaging up internet orders ready to send out. Whilst I'm doing this I'll chat to the professional artist that will be running the afternoon session, and often talk to other members of the team about ways to market ARTHOUSE Meath to more people in more ways.  Then the afternoon group arrive and work starts. Sarah, one of the clients, is always up in the front of the shop with me and she'll help me with the jobs I'm doing. And of course, we'll be chatting to and serving customers whenever they come in. It's a very lively place with music on in the background and a constant stream of coming and goings. There's always several topics of conversation going on at any one time and lots of different distractions at regular intervals. Sometimes we'll all stop working and help the Art Director title and price paintings; sometimes we'll help to rearrange window displays and studio space; other times we'll be chatting about the latest boy band or holidays we're taking. It is a vibrant and varied day and it's wonderful. 

Are you a creative person and have the ARTHOUSE Meath artists inspired you in anyway to be more creative?

I enjoy how things look and and have always been particularly drawn to art brings together strong colours and a naive style . One of the reasons I wanted to work at the ARTHOUSE was to be surrounded by art that I loved -  not just because of it's provenance but because in itself it is just stunning work. Absolutely, I'm inspired by the work every week but have to admit that I haven't yet done anything about it.

Do you have any personal favourites from the collection available in the shop and online? 

I love the Garden jugs, they make great gifts. Practically everyone I know has one now! And the Relationship jug is a favourite as Sarah, who works with me in the shop on a Thursday, created that design.  All of the cards are so funny and poignant that I find myself wanting to buy them just in case the right occasion arises. The perennial best sellers are anything with the unique dogs, birds or cats designs on them. They fly off the shelves.

What’s next for you at ARTHOUSE Meath?

 I'd just love to continue to be involved in the evolution of ARTHOUSE Meath for as long as I can. 

ARTIST (Grace Oakley)

What do you enjoy most about your day at ARTHOUSE Meath?

There's a nice atmosphere and nice people to work with. It's relaxing and fun. And it's nice to have your work appreciated. It's nice being part of a team.

Is it hard work?

 No, not at all. Especially if you know what you're doing. But it can be complicated and it can take a while. 

What do you do at ARTHOUSE Meath?

Painting and drawing and we sit and chat. The artist tells us how it needs to be done and then we do it. 

If you could draw anything what would it be?

 A horse. I love horses. I have done since I was a little girl. I never used to be good at drawing horses or figures but I've got good through lots of practice. 

Have you been a part of any product drawings?

Yes, I drew the Dancers (which are another best seller and feature on cards and wrapping paper).

Why should people buy products from ARTHOUSE Meath?

Because we're raising money for The Meath and that's a good thing.

Thank you so much to Katie and Grace for taking the time to tell us all about the very inspiring ARTHOUSE Meath.

If you would like to find out more about ARTHOUSE Meath or buy any of their beautiful products then please visit the website.

Nice to see you again.

Xxx