Art and Spice at Bramall Lane

13 March 2012

Yorkshire based charity, Reflections Art in Health are planning a fundraising curry night with a twist. On Friday the 20th of April, from 7pm onwards you will be able to visit the Reflections Exhibition at the Lane which showcases the great artwork and photography of mental health service user artists before settling down to enjoy some food, an Art Auction and live music from local projects and bands.

Reflections Art in Health, with the enthusiastic support of Sheffield United and Professional Football Association, launched the exhibition at Bramall Lane last September.  It was the first of its kind, bringing the worlds of art, football and mental health together to celebrate the creative talents of people with mental health issues.  It aims to also provide a catalyst for fans and visitors to the Club to think and talk about mental health and start the important task of breaking down some of the negative myths around mental health and sufferers. 

Dave McCarthy, Blades Managing Director, who will also be taking the role of auctioneer on the evening speaks of the success of this partnership and project:
“We at SUFC started our work with Breakthrough and their associated charity Reflections Art in Health almost a year ago now. We were so excited to be the first football club to get involved and showcase the creative talents of local Sheffield and Northern artists to a wider audience. This event is a great celebration of our work together so far and also an opportunity to build on all the new projects we have planned for the future with the aim of raising awareness about mental health issues and support in our community..."

Tony Russell, the chair and founder of Reflections Art of Health, who has campaigned and been a voice for mental health service users and art and health for many years, is also excited about building on these connections. He writes,

"We are looking forward to the second in our fund-raising events 'Art and Spice' at Bramall Lane.  We see this as a great chance to promote some more excellent art through our exhibition and auction, as well as some excellent local music, and by doing so to build on our special relationship with Sheffield United FC, using this as a foundation for our future work together."

Kevan Taylor, Chief Executive of Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust added “We will be strongly supporting this event and are very much looking forward to a great evening. We are delighted to be supporting Reflections and applaud Sheffield United in raising the profile of mental health. This is a vital role that the club has taken in supporting Reflections in particular and mental health in general”.

Essentially, this event realises all the aims and ethos of the charity in promoting and creating an opportunity to showcase talent, highlight creativity as a tool for recovery and expression and to bring all sorts of people together through art, health and life.  

All are welcome to this event, children are included. Tickets are available to buy via email, reflectionsart@hotmail.co.uk, by phone or will be on sale at the Blades Ticket Office at Bramall Lane.  The cost is £15 per ticket (£12.50 concessions) which includes a two course meal, entry and entertainment.  Please note, there will be a non-spicy and a vegetarian option on offer.

For more details about the event, please contact Hayley Youell on 07885900257 or email reflectionsart@hotmail.co.uk