September 08, 2025 - 495 views
Stunning artworks created by care home residents will illuminate a music festival in North Wales.
The luminous, large-scale canvasses – described as “art that dances with the mind” – are the work of residents of the Pendine Park care organisation.
The 21 vibrant pieces will take pride of place at the North Wales International Music Festival at St Asaph Cathedral from September 11–20.
Each one represents the human mind’s reaction to music, a perfect reflection of this year’s festival theme: ‘Perceptions’, which explores how music shapes the brain and supports mental health.
Led by Pendine Park’s consultant artist-in-residence, Sarah Edwards, the project at Seren art class in Penybryn care home in Wrexham has brought out extraordinary talent among residents who live with complex neurological conditions including acquired brain injuries, MS and the after-effects of strokes.
The artwork follows a method known as neurographic art, using organic shapes and bright colours to represent emotion, brain activity and wellbeing.
Each canvas features a silhouette of a head, with acetate insets lit by the cathedral windows – the colours and musical motifs inside symbolise how music lights up the brain.
Sarah said: “Scientific studies show how dramatically the brain lights up in response to music. We wanted our art to reflect that – and the results are just breathtaking. Every resident contributed their own designs, and they’ve created something truly special.”
The residents even listened to uplifting 80s pop tracks while they painted – a move that, according to Sarah, added an emotional dimension to the process.
“Our art workshops are about so much more than just painting,” she added. “They’re therapeutic, joyful and empowering.”
Resident Emma Barber was one of the artists involved.
She said: “I love music, and painting to it is like I’m dancing in my mind,” she said. “It’s a joyful way to express how you feel, without needing words.”
Fellow artist Lynn Kelly added: “It’s amazing to think that audiences at the festival will see what we’ve made. It’s a proud moment.”
The project is part of Pendine Park’s long-running partnership with the North Wales International Music Festival.
Its charitable arm, Pendine Arts and Community Trust (PACT), founded by Mario Kreft MBE and his wife Gill, is once again the headline sponsor for the event.
The Trust also backs the Pendine Young Musician of Wales competition, offering £4,000 in prize money to the finalists and a prestigious trophy to the winner. This year’s competition will be broadcast on BBC Radio Cymru, with festival director and royal composer Paul Mealor praising the partnership.
“With the continued support of Mario and Gill and PACT, this competition is fast becoming one of Wales’s top music events,” he said.
“Our 2025 theme, Perceptions, focuses on the link between music and the human mind – and Pendine’s involvement couldn’t be more fitting.”
The festival's opening concert on Thursday, September 11, stars Maltese tenor Joseph Calleja who Paul Mealor believes is "the world’s finest lyric tenor".
Headliners this year include the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, world class choral group Apollo5 and the renowned Black Dyke Band.
Making her festival debut this year will be the acclaimed film and TV composer, Debbie Wiseman OBE.
Her theme tunes for Wolf Hall, Wilde, Father Brown, Tom’s Midnight Garden, Jack Frost, The Glorious Garden and many others will be played by the NEW Sinfonia orchestra.
The final concert will feature the North Wales Choral Union and Orchestra under the baton of conductor Trystan Lewis.
Other events and community projects being staged at the festival include a community tour, Tots & Children’s concert, a dementia friendly concert and Mindfulness through Music workshops.
Tickets and further details about the festival programme are available online at https://nwimf.com. Tickets are also available from Cathedral Frames, St Asaph - 07471 318723 (Weds - Fri, 10 - 4) and Theatr Clwyd by phone - 01352 344101 (Mon - Sun, 10 - 8).
