A mixed media exhibition by Patricia Mears
I’m so excited to write this blog to announce that this week we finally have installed the art exhibition ‘Heroes’, which opens to the public Saturday 1st October 2016. The exhibition has been a year in the making and was a new opportunity for us to try out something new as part of our exhibitions programme…..we’ve never installed an art exhibition before so this is a Firing Line first!
On my first ever meeting with Patricia, I was immediately infected by the art bug, largely as a result of what I can only describe as Patricia’s ‘sunshine personality’. With two sons (both Officers) having served at times of conflict in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Albania and Iraq, Patricia spoke movingly of having both of them in Afghanistan at the same time. This had made 2011 a very difficult year for her but fortunately they both came home safe and sound. 2013 and 2014 saw them there again, as one returned home, the other left for another tour of duty. However Patricia’s inspiration comes from a place of appreciation for all servicemen and servicewomen and the contributions that they make on behalf of their country. Sometimes, these contributions are severe….wounds that lead to physical and emotional scars, permanent disability and even more significantly loss of life.
This is why Patricia has been so passionate and effusive about her support for the Help for Heroes charity, for which she has been a long-term advocate and volunteer….the reason why proceeds from the sale of paintings will be donated to Help for Heroes. Patricia has spent countless hours crocheting poppies, which she will also be selling to raise money for another of her chosen charities the Royal British Legion. It is particularly poignant and fitting that this exhibition will be on display at the same time as the Field of Remembrance being installed within the grounds of Cardiff Castle in November.
So, I hope that you will take the time to visit the museum and take a look at the exhibition….like Patricia, I cannot think of a better way to reflect and remember our Veterans. I hope that you will all enjoy the museum, as much as I have loved the work on installing it.
The exhibition runs until 8th January 2017 and will open daily 09:00 – 16:00, with the exception of Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Don’t forget that Cardiff Castle keycard holders go free and for others a visit to the museum forms part of entry to Cardiff Castle, a great day out all-round.