Art for Good: A closer look at our creative workshop for tenants

“It’s all about the atmosphere, encouraging each other, seeing all our capabilities – it’s the company, it’s everything.” 

For over five years, Homes for Good’s weekly art classes for adults have brought tenants and community members together to improve their artistic skills and build friendships, guided by our friendly and passionate art specialist, Tracy Kelly. 

Hidden Talents

“I didn’t know I could draw or paint, do art, until I joined the art class,” says tenant Grace-Anne.  

“I started online with Tracy during the COVID-19 pandemic. The first picture I did, I couldn’t work out what was wrong with it. It was upside down! It was a bit of a false start, but I’ve progressed massively in those five years.” 

Tracy runs our friendly, inspirational art class

“They don’t give themselves enough credit,” says Tracy, who began the Homes for Good art classes during the COVID pandemic, with participants receiving art materials delivered to their homes.

This was followed by our first taster craft session in April 2020 and seasonal arts and crafts workshops at Easter, Summer, and Christmas at Homes for Good’s Tenant Support Hub in Bridgeton, open to both tenants and local community members. Due to the success of these classes, a regular weekly art session began in April 2023.

The group worked on basic drawing exercises, colour theory, and painting techniques for a few months before reaching the stage of choosing their own subject matter. Margaret and Liz are friends who attended the craft sessions and have been coming ever since. Now that both are retired, the art classes have offered them a space to discover, explore and develop their artistic talents, while strengthening friendships and forming new ones.  

Personal Expression 

“A lot of it has been more of a therapeutic thing for me,” says Margaret. “Liz and I both had really busy jobs, and it’s hard to give that up when you retire. So, this came at exactly the right time for us. It’s a great group and everyone is so supportive, not just about the paintings.” 

Despite relishing the social aspect of the classes, Margaret has also seen her art improve, even picking up a number one fan – her niece’s husband.  

“His grandfather was an artist, and he’s taken a few of my canvases away and has put them up in the house. He’s my biggest fan!” 

Margaret has picked up many art skills – plus a number one fan!

Each group is provided with art supplies to create their preferred style of art – from landscapes to portraits, abstract art to still life. They often find inspiration online or in books and share ideas with Tracy, who prints them out for the next class. Class numbers have increased recently, so the class has moved from the Tenant Support Hub to the Bridgeton Community Learning Campus. Tracy is a constant source of support, guidance and inspiration to the group, and has created a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Grace-Anne says the class provides a structure that encourages artistic progression in a way that tinkering alone at home does not.

An example of Margaret's art

“It gives you a bit of a routine and discipline – that’s what makes the class good,” she says.  

“You’re setting a specific time to come here to do it, whereas in the house, you’d work on something, but you might work on it too much and wreck it. It’s good to have someone like Tracy to say, ‘Right, you’ve done enough there. Why don’t you concentrate on another bit?’ It’s good to have that guidance,” she adds. 

“I’ve learnt a lot,” says Margaret. “Even the types of brushes to use. Tracy will suggest things, like, 'Why don’t you do that?' and you’ll think, 'Why didn’t I think of that?'” 

“When you work on something in the art class, and you leave it and come back to it, you think, ‘that's actually better than what I thought it was,’” says Grace-Anne. 

“This is the first time I have tried to draw,” says Lily Lee, who has recently joined the classes. “I’ve been coming for about three months. I really enjoy it. I like the freedom to do what we want. I’d like to do a really big painting.” 

The group's confidence grows with each class

Home Gallery 

The art class has instilled a confidence within the group – a belief in their creative abilities, with their artwork now hanging on the walls of their homes.

“I’m not as keen on doing scenery, but I like drawing birds,” says Liz. “I keep them all. There’s a couple that I’ve put up in my spare room. One I particularly like is one of a wee girl at the beach.”

“I like doing scenery,” adds Margaret. “I've had a couple I was really proud of. The first one was very, very simple – seascape and sky. My husband really liked it and hung it in the living room.” 

“I don't like everybody’s houses to be the same with generic pictures,” adds Grace-Anne. “I must have about 20 pictures up in my house, pictures of the beach, sunsets and flowers. I also did angel wings in tribute to my friend who passed away a few years ago.” 

Sense of Community 

This progression of art and creativity is tied to a growth of community, friendship and social aspects. As the group members improve their art skills, they form deeper bonds and friendships within the group. As the social side grows, so do the artistic abilities. 

“The social and community side of the art class is huge for me,” says Grace-Anne. “We get together, socialise, catch up, and as we do that, our art improves.” 

“We all know about each other’s families,” says Margaret. “If we miss a week, I really miss it – it’s a big part of my week. I know my turning point in the middle of the week is this class. I just love it. I love coming here and doing this.” 

“It's very relaxing, and it's nice to come to,” says Suzanne, who has been attending the class since the Christmas craft groups several years ago. “I do more pencil drawing at home. But here it’s more relaxing and chatting. It's good for your mental health, I guess.” 

“It’s all about the atmosphere, encouraging each other, seeing all our capabilities, it’s the company, it’s everything. You don’t get that if you’re in the house,” adds Grace-Anne. 

Grace-Anne's artistic talent has significantly improved during her five years in the art class

Future Plans

As Homes for Good Art Class goes from strength to strength, plans are in place to embrace the Scottish summer and gain artistic inspiration from the great outdoors.   It would be great if we could all meet somewhere – like the Botanic Gardens – take sketch pads and draw from life,” says Tracy.  

Another plan in the works – watch this space – is for a Homes for Good Art Class Exhibition, showcasing the impressive range of the class’s work. 

“When you see what they’ve done, they’ve really progressed. I think, for them, it’s like the art has become secondary, it’s a social thing and a good support,” says Tracy. 

“And it’s growing and growing.” 

For more information about Homes for Good’s Art Class, contact Tracy at tracy.kelly@homesforgood.org.uk. If you're a Homes for Good tenant, join our Tenant Community Group on Facebook tinyurl.com/HFGTCGart