A CARE home resident with a passion for art has staged an exhibition featuring pencil portraits of staff members. 

Judith Forster spent six months on the project at Colten Care’s Abbey View in Sherborne. 

The idea of sketching each one of her carers, companions, clinical team, chefs, waiting staff, domestic assistants and others came about in February this year.

Bev de Bruyn, companionship team leader at the home said:  “One of our team was talking with Judith. They were in close proximity and Judith immediately thought ‘what a beautiful smile, I should make a picture of that’. And so, an idea was born."

Over the next sixth months, team members would come and sit for Judith as she sketched day and night "to her heart's content."

Judith Forster at her exhibition at Colten Care’s Abbey View in Sherborne with Companionship Team member Sara Foster. Judith Forster at her exhibition at Colten Care’s Abbey View in Sherborne with companionship team member Sara Foster. (Image: Scott Sinclair) Judith said: “I so enjoyed doing this. It enabled me to get to know each individual staff member in a very different way. It made me really happy to undertake this work”

On the opening day of the exhibition, Abbey View residents were told they were in for a treat and invited to make their way to the lounge where the 73 portraits had been mounted on large panels around the walls.

Residents Roy and Barbara Carne view the sketches. Roy described the exhibition as ‘incredible’. Residents Roy and Barbara Carne view the sketches. Roy described the exhibition as ‘incredible’. (Image: Colten Care) Judith's friends and family members, including two of Judith's grandchildren - Herbie and Gracie - attended.

Bev added: “It was a fabulous occasion. Judith thoroughly enjoyed delighting everyone with her art. The exhibition was an amazing accomplishment.”

Judith's passion for art started when she lived in Japan between 1984 and 1990. There she started lessons and progressed through various mediums of art, showing a particular interest in doing miniature portraits. 

Another staff member, Sara Foster, added: "In the past six months, she prepared her Abbey View exhibition while at the same time attending our weekly arts club with fellow residents.

Abbey View resident David Froud enjoys the exhibition. With him is companionship team member Sara Foster. Abbey View resident David Froud enjoys the exhibition. With him is companionship team member Sara Foster. (Image: Colten Care)

“Her love of art is so evident. She adds tremendous value to the club and even introduced an instruction book ‘Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain’ for fellow."

Outside Abbey View, Judith has enrolled at an art studio in Sherborne where she creates and shows pieces. She also participates in a weekly online art course.