Frank shares ‘the art of giving’

A COLLECTION of uplifting art works by an NHS Dumfries and Galloway volunteer is on display at DGRI.

The pieces by Frank Ritchie reflect his love of art and music, and his experience volunteering and campaigning for local and national charities.

The exhibition is titled The Art of Giving and has a message of hope and healing.

At its centre is a poignant piece in memory of his son who he lost in 2015.

Frank, who provides musical entertainment for patients, staff, and visitors at both DGRI and Midpark, said: “I’m delighted to have had this opportunity to share my art work and a message of hope and healing through the exhibition, especially as I’m an NHS volunteer and it’s at the region’s main hospital. That’s made it all the more meaningful for me.

“Knowing this could be bringing some joy, comfort, or distraction is really important to me as art and music has been hugely significant in me finding a way to cope with losing my son to suicide. I’ve been involved with the national charity Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide for a few years. This is a way for me to be supported and to support others who have been bereaved in a similar way.”

He is in talks to transfer the exhibition to other venues locally and nationally, and eventually would like to donate them to a hospice or other healthcare setting.

Lucy Bell, from OutPost Arts which is running NHS Dumfries and Galloway’s Art in Healthcare programme, said: “We are really grateful to Frank for sharing such a personal story of loss through the exhibition.”

The Art of Giving will remain at DGRI until the end of the week of World Mental Health Day, 10 October 10.