A stunning textile artwork created by members of a mental health arts group has been selected for a national online exhibition. Art & Soul, a group run by Cartwheel Arts in Rochdale, needs the public's vote before Friday, June 26 to win a £400 prize for best artwork.
A Stitch in Time
A Stitch in Time, a collective piece made by the group, has been chosen for A Response to Mental Health, an online exhibition hosted by the Chinwe Russell Art Gallery. The work answers a simple but powerful question: what best supports your mental health and wellbeing? The responses — stitched and drawn in fabric and pen — point to the importance of art, nature, and community.
The piece carries particular emotional weight. It was made at a difficult time for the group, following the loss of beloved member Pat Clarke. Creating it became a way for members to grieve, share memories of Pat, and find a safe space through creativity. The project was facilitated by artist Alex Blakey.
National Stage
Being selected for the exhibition is a significant achievement in itself. Competition was strong, and inclusion means the group's work will now be seen by thousands of people, contributing to a wider conversation about destigmatising mental health and recognising the role of the arts in recovery and wellbeing.
Molly Stedman, arts for wellbeing programme co-ordinator at Cartwheel Arts, said: "The artists who attend Art & Soul face many barriers to engaging with more traditional art spaces and exhibitions. We're so excited that the voices of artists with a mental health diagnosis are being championed in this way — so please do vote for us."
One Art & Soul artist commented: "It means the world to us to be included in this exhibition. A Stitch in Time came from a really emotional place - it was our way of supporting each other - and to see it celebrated on a national stage is something we're all incredibly proud of. But it's bigger than us. Mental health still carries a stigma, and not enough people know how powerful creativity can be in supporting their wellbeing. We hope this puts Art & Soul and Rochdale on the map, and helps more people understand that art isn't a luxury - it's something that can genuinely change how you feel and how you cope."
Vote and Win
First prize is £400. If Art & Soul win, the money will fund a gallery trip for the group - an experience that can feel out of reach for many people due to psychological, physical, and financial barriers. Cartwheel Arts believes access to art should never depend on your circumstances. Voting closes on Friday, June 26. Residents can vote for Art & Soul now at the Chinwe Russell Art Gallery website.
Art & Soul is a regular visual arts group that uses creativity to support people's mental health and wellbeing, offering participants a safe and welcoming space to make art together — building confidence, connection, and resilience along the way. Anyone interested in taking part, or wanting to refer someone to Art & Soul, can email Molly Stedman at molly@cartwheelarts.org.uk with 'Art & Soul' in the subject line. The group meets regularly on Wednesdays.
Location: Rochdale, Greater Manchester.
