GIANT mushroom lanterns were created by elderly care home residents for an annual celebration of community and creativity at a North Yorkshire seaside town.
The Valley of Light exhibition, at Valley Gardens in Saltburn-by-the-Sea, saw artworks and stories contributed by elderly residents from the town’s Hazelgrove Court.
David Rigg, 75, Sheila O’Neill, 85, and Joyce Wooffindin, 84, were among the residents who participated in the project.
They were asked to recall their memories of the Valley Gardens, which were recorded as part of a soundscape for the exhibition, as well as influencing their mushroom lantern designs.
Writer Carmen Marcus and soundscape creator Grace Stubbings visited the care home to record the residents and in a separate session multimedia artist Morwenna Catt helped residents make their mushroom lanterns.
These were sent to the event organisers, Stellar Creates, to install as part of the Valley of Light exhibition, which also included performances, storytelling, live music and hands-on craft activities.
The elderly residents visited the exhibition to see their installed creations and enjoy the rest of the exhibition.
Activities coordinator Sharon Lewis said: “Our residents loved going down to see the lanterns and listen to the soundscape. It was wonderful to see them lit up in the dark.
“It always amazes me how talented our residents are, and it spreads the message to people that life does not end when you come to live in a care home. You can still get involved with your local community.”