History

1991   

Opened in private garage in Evesham (hence name) by Brenda Staines and Jan Evans.                   

5 students and 2 volunteers.

1993   

8 students.

1994   

Classes 2 days a week.

1995   

A committee was elected and our first AGM was held.

1996   

Visits to galleries in London and Paris. Exhibition in Merstow Green Health Centre.

1997   

Developed links with Schools and Health Centres.

1998   

Exhibition at Oat Street. Workshop at Eastbourne.

ACHIEVED CHARITY STATUS

1999   

Opened a charity shop and art studio in Crown Court Yard, Evesham

Jan Hall took over from Brenda

2000   

Charity shop changed to sell art materials, as more appropriate for the Group

2001   

Tutor, Pam White, joined the Group in collaboration with Evesham College and the Group introduced students with recovering mental health problems.

30 students, classes four days a week.

Professional artists for workshops providing ideas and variety for students.

Celebrated 10 years with exhibition.

2003   

Receiving students referred from Waterside Hospital and Social Services.

2004   

Sideways move to take over larger room, closed shop. 

Extensive renovations, closed for 4 months.

2005   

Two studios, 11 classes a week. 

Successful summer exhibition.

2006   

Begin annual August bank holiday exhibition.

2007   

Sculpture classes.  

2008   

Started group in Malvern.

Life drawing classes.

2009   

Sadly lost our dear Chairperson Jan Hall.

2010   

Pam White elected as Executive Chairperson.

Waterside rotating permanent exhibition.

Creative writing classes.

2011   

To celebrate the Group's 20th Anniversary a film was commissioned about the work of Garage Art Group with the support of Wychavon Council.

70 students, 3 tutors and 10 volunteers.

Jan Hall and Brenda Staines Memorial Exhibition.

Exhibition at Droitwich library.

Vale art trail.

Rotary Club dinner event, networking.

Film Exhibition ‘Connects’ at Amber café.

Exhibition at Abbey tea rooms.

Trips to Nature In Art and Ashmolean Gallery.

Permanent exhibitions at Waterside Psychiatric Day Hospital and Amber Café.

Waterside Day Hospital table top fundraising sale.

Christmas card competition with Lifelinks.

Christmas Fayre.

Christmas party learning disabilities Groups.

Christmas meal social event, Evesham.

2012  

Created our own website.

Rotating Exhibition at Amber Café who adopted us as their named charity.

Had our own Christmas cards printed.

Involved in successful community project for the local Police.

Community project in  Malvern.

Jan Hall and Brenda Staines Memorial Exhibition.

Exhibition at Beacon Dentist Malvern with Malvern GAG group in association with Lifelinks. 

Permanent rotating exhibitions at Waterside Psychiatric Day Hospital and Amber Cafe.

Evesham Christmas party for learning disabilities Groups.

Christmas meal social event, Evesham.

2013   

Started Garage Art Group choir and Sewing Group.

Held a Creative Writing group in association with Wychavon Council.                       

Started Droitwich art and craft Group.

Members start a Brunch Club for people feeling lonely.

Made Xmas decorations for Worcester Cathedral and decorated the tree.

Uploaded student work to Outside In website.

Work included in video touring Outside In Exhibition.

GAG Calendars printed for sale.

Exhibition at Evesham Arts Centre.

Prospect exhibition, Malvern.

August Exhibition at the Evesham studio.

Emporium exhibit two paintings.

Students Bob Smith and Pat Saunders exhibition at ImaGine, Market Square Evesham.

Waterside Day Hospital exhibition ongoing. 

Christmas meal social event, Evesham.

Christmas party, Evesham learning disabilities Groups.

2014  

Fundraising at Badsey Flower Show.

Two huge advertising flags for Gheluvelt Park.

Exhibitions at Showell Gallery, Pershore and ImaGine, Evesham.

Ongoing exhibition at Waterside Day Hospital.

Prospect View, Malvern exhibition.

Trips to Oxford Ashmolean, Cezanne exhibition and Nature in Art.

Choir linked with Alice’s Choir. 

Garage Art Group's calendars printed for sale.

Completion of 4 large mosaics at the Cube representing Malvern by the Malvern Group.

Decorated 7ft flags for Gullovert Park Worcester.

Malvern Group students involved with large roof mosaics for St John’s Worcester high rise flats.

Won the Christmas tree competition in association with Onside at Worcester Cathedral.

Made large flowers for Onside.

Artwork produced for firework night at Beacon House.

Decorated giant squirrel, rabbit, badger and other animals for travelling exhibition coming to Cube ‘Living Forest’.

Christmas party, Evesham learning disabilities Groups.

Christmas meal social event, Evesham.

2015  

Kathryn Wickson workshop.

Started choir for special needs students.

Fundraising quiz night.

Created a Facebook page.

Nigel Huddleston MP visits our Evesham studio.

Badsey Flower Show fundraising stall.

Ongoing exhibition at Waterside Day Hospital.

Art In Action Trip.

Independent trip to Nature In Art.

Work exhibited as part of the ‘Bell Tower’ Evesham Arts Centre.

Visit to South Worcs College Art Exhibition, Malvern Group.

John Martins celebration at Hampton Church.

Sarah Dugan, NHS Chief Executive of Mental Health, visits our Evesham studio.

Fundraising skittles evening.

Fundraising at Wallace House Xmas Fayre.

Meet regulary as part of ‘NHS a New Prescription for Commission’.

Health and Well Being Stakeholders Event, Worcestershire County Council.

Stand at Future Lives event, Worcestershire County Council.

Worcester Arts Partnership Community Catalysts event stand

Your Life Your Choice e-marketing set up.

John Martins celebration at Hampton Church.

Christmas party, Evesham learning disabilities Groups.

Christmas meal, Malvern.

Christmas meal social event, Evesham

2016  

Ongoing exhibition at Waterside Day Hospital.

Fundraising skittles evening.

BBC Get Creative Champions.

Dogs Trust stall at Ragley Hall.

Evesham Carnival stall and Rio walking float.

25th Anniversary celebration evening with live music at Evesham Rowing Club.

Exhibition at County Hall, Worcester.

Art in Action trip.

Badsey Flower Show fundraising stall.

Malvern Hills trip, Malvern Group.

Hampton Ferry Fete fundraising stall.

Boat trip and picnic in Abbey Park for Evesham learning disabilities Groups

Sondra Halliday collage workshop and sessions.

Joy Haywood watercolour workshop.

Stand at Wychavon Ageing Well 55+ event, Evesham Town Hall.

Invited to run an NHS Christmas card competition.

New 'Social Art Group' Saturday sessions.  

John Martins celebration at Hampton Church.

Worcester Guildhall Christmas Craft Fayre table.

Christmas party for both Evesham and Malvern learning disabilities Groups.

Christmas meal social event, Evesham.

NHS New Prescription Group meetings throughout the year.

2017   

Exhibition at Worcester Cathedral.

Vale of Evesham School stand at Life After School event.

Fundraising Skittles Evenings.

Provided art activities for Get Creative weekend.

New art group for those affected by sight loss in collaboration with Sight Concern.

Visit to Malvern College art exhibition.

Malvern Group made bunting for a Buddhist wedding.

Stand at Worcestershire NHS Well Being Hub's exhibition and local community event at Worcester Guild Hall.

Ongoing Waterside Day Hospital rotating exhibition.

Participated in 'Moving In Moving On' installation shown at Evesham Library.

John Martins celebration at Hampton Church.

Summer Fayre at Evesham studio.

Art exhibition by the Malvern Group for a community performance 'Route to the hills'.

Malvern Group boat trip and afternoon tea.

Evesham Group picnic and boat trip.

Badsey Flower Show fundraising stall.

Hampton Ferry Show fundraising stall.

Twyford Co-op information display.

Tesco information display and store collection.

Gary and Danny's fundraising Mud Run at Hereford.

Birthday celebration meal for Pam, Belinda and Sue, social event.

Stand at Wychavon Ageing Well 55+ event, Evesham Town Hall.

Trip to Worcester Art Gallery Museum with Malvern Group.

Winning Malvern Soup presentation and stand.

Showell Gallery exhibition, Wychavon District Council, Civic Centre, Pershore.

Christmas party for Evesham and Malvern learning disabilities groups.

Christmas meal social event, Evesham.

2018  

Evesham Arts Centre exhibition.

Ongoing Waterside Day Hospital rotating exhibition.

Fundraising skittles evenings.

Provided art activities for Get Creative weekend.

Vale of Evesham School stand at Life After School event.

New Garage Art Kids group started for children.

Entry for Worcester Stands Tall public art event shortlisted and shown at The Hive exhibition.

Michelle's ink tile art workshop.

Stand at Rotary Club's Tree of Life presentation evening.

Thank you to Malvern Soup presentation, Malvern Vale Community Centre.

Information stand and fundraising at Tesco store, Evesham.

Art activity and information stand at #Love Evesham, Town Plan celebration event.

Artist, Bridie Austin, hired our Evesham Studio to run art workshops.

Presentation about Garage Art Group at Evesham Springfeld Mind.

Artist, Rosemary Frith workshop.

Cllr Richard Jones and Penny Jones, Mayor and Mayoress of Evesham visit our Evesham studio.

Permanent information stand at Evesham Volunteer Centre's Riverside Shopping Centre 'one stop volunteering shop'.

Danny's bingo fundraising events at Ferry View housing complex.

Art workshops at The Valley and The Almonry for the Wychavon District Council Enlighten project.

Stand at the Evesham College Life After College event.

Tesco visit to award Bags of Help cheque.

John Martins celebration at Hampton Church.

Sedgeberrow CE First School fete stand and art activity.

Registered for Amazon Smile and Paypal Just Giving. 

Began running children's art and craft parties.

Colwall Festival fundraising stall by Malvern group.

‘Artists’ themed walking float and craft stall at Evesham Carnival.

Attended Evesham Charity Network meetings.

Badsey Flower Show fundraising stall.

Garage Art kids exhibition at Evesham library.

Wychavon District Council's Enlighten animation workshops at Garage Art Kids sessions.

Garage Art Group's World Mental Health Day event at Evesham Town Hall.

Exhibition at Evesham Volunteer Centre's Riverside Shopping Centre 'one stop volunteering shop'.

Artwork at CMHT Enhanced Care Team, Evesham Hospital.

Garage Art Kids make lanterns for and take part in Evesham's Lantern Parade.

Christmas party for Evesham and Malvern learning disabilities groups.

Christmas meal social event, Evesham.

2019

Ongoing rotating exhibitions at Waterside Day Hospital, Evesham Hospital's CMHT Enhanced Care Team and Evesham Volunteer Centre's Riverside Shopping Centre 'one stop volunteering shop'.

Workshops and stand at 'Living Well' event, organised by Abbey Medical Practice, at Evesham Town Hall.

Garage Art Group Instagram page.

'See Me' National Lottery Awards For All project for students with learning disabilities with Reel Eyes Films.

Stand at Life Beyond School event at The Vale of Evesham School. We welcomed more work experience students from the school to the studio.

Fundraising skittles evenings.

Danny's bingo fundraising events at Ferry View housing complex.

Attended Evesham Charity Network meetings.

Our CEO, Pam, wins the Inclusive Award, Judges Choice at the Pride of Malvern Hills Community Awards.

The Simon Kemp Rhythm & Blues Orchestra fundraising evening at Evesham Rowing Club.

'SEE ME!' National Lottery Community Funded exhibitions and film showings in Evesham and Malvern.

Summer Bidford Area Community Choir Concert and Afternoon Tea fundraising event at Salford Hall Hotel.

Story stick project for Abbey Park artwork event. Art workshops at EDMHS, Scouts, Sedgeberrow CE School and Swan Lane First School. Film made for the project.

John Martins celebration at Hampton Church.

Evesham College Freshers Fair Stand.

Mural painting for Evesham Citizens Advice volunteers outside area.

Hosted World Mental Health Day Event at Evesham Town Hall.

Decorated Christmas tree for St Lawrence's Church, Evesham.

Fundraising Stall at Wallace House.

Christmas party for Evesham learning disabilities groups.

Christmas meal social events at Evesham and Malvern.

2020

Ongoing rotating exhibitions at Waterside Day Hospital and Evesham Hospital's CMHT Enhanced Care Team 

Needle Felting workshop

Fundraising skittles evening and our new Emily Simmonds Skittles Trophy is named to recognise the person who began our fundraising skittles nights.

COVID-19 Lockdown - Set up a Facebook Messenger group, telephone conference calls, individual phone calls and messages. Suggested art projects and interactive online art activities to join together with virtual artwork help and advice.

An online ‘Confinement’ exhibition showing student’s artwork completed during lockdown.

Mural for Abbey Park Trust

Made poppies for Remembrance Sunday along with other community groups, schools and individuals for a display at Tesco, Evesham

2021

COVID-19 Lockdown - Continued with Facebook Messenger group, telephone conference calls, individual phone calls and messages.

Ongoing rotating exhibitions at Waterside Day Hospital and Evesham Hospital's CMHT Enhanced Care Team 

Evesham Rotary Club's Charity of the Month

Zoom call presenting the Group to Rotary In The Vale by our Trustee, Alison

A Concert at All Saints Church, Evesham, was organised by Rotary in the Vale with the proceeds going to Garage Art Group

Sewing project based on Evesham's Mop Fair - part of the history of Evesham tapestry for Rotary in the Vale, in collaboration with Evesham Abbey Trust's, community project

began our Self-Portrait project

30th Anniversary celebratory group photo

Tesco community group information event

Artwork relating to the environment to be displayed by Greening Evesham at events to highlight the environmental issues in the lead up to COP26

Christmas tree for the Church of All Saints tree display, Evesham

2022

Ongoing rotating exhibitions at Waterside Day Hospital and Evesham Hospital's CMHT Enhanced Care Team 

Self-portrait project exhibition at Crafter's Companion, Evesham

Self-portrait project exhibition at Garage Art Group's Evesham studio

WCG Mental Health Awareness event, stand at Evesham College

Living Well For A Longer Life event, information stand at Evesham Leisure Centre

Evesham Medieval Market, information stand at St. Lawrence's church

Vale Active Art, decorating a bike in the theme of Vincent Van Gogh's, The Starry Night to be displayed in the local bike trail and auctioned in aid of Evesham Adventure Playground

Film about the Group organised by Rotary In the Vale

Permanent information stand in ImaGine shop, Evesham

Information stand at the Battle of Evesham festival

Visit from Ben Price, Communities Officer (South) Wychavon District Council

Made a fundraising Garage Art Group 2023 calendar we had printed to sell, featuring members artwork

Continued selling handmade and printed cards by our members to fundraise, including Christmas cards

Evesham Abbey Trust organised a Christmas card competition for the group, to provide their 2022 Christmas card design, with Deb Whitehouse's design being chosen to be printed for sale

A Malvern group member made poppies during the sessions to add to the 'Unknown Tommy' statue outside Malvern Police Station

Malvern group made Christmas card decorations for Malvern Cube Projects - Malvern Youthy's Christmas tree for Worcester Cathedral

The Evesham Mayor visited us in our Evesham studio, following the Evesham Town Council grant

The Children's group decorated a tree for the Church of All Saints Christmas Tree display

Christmas party for Friday Evesham's learning disabilities groups, with thanks to Freedom Day Centre

Christmas party at the studio for our learning disability groups

Christmas meal social event at Raphaels Restaurant, Evesham

2023

Ongoing rotating exhibitions at Waterside Day Hospital and Evesham Hospital's CMHT Enhanced Care Team.

Made artwork of The Red Lion pub in Evesham, for a project with them. The artwork created is on display in the pub.

Our additional learning needs groups made artwork for Kate (from BILD) who got in touch with us about her book project. Two members artwork was chosen to be included in her book chapter.

Attended the official re-opening of Evesham Abbey gardens.

Evesham Medieval Market, information stand at St. Lawrence's church.

Went to the unveiling of the Evesham tapestry at All Saints Church, which included our sewing group's contribution.

Skittles social and fundraising event at Bengeworth Club.

Visit from Marion Griffiths, Town Councillor.

Living Well event, Evesham Leisure Centre.

Attended Evesham Charity Network events

Hosted work experience students from Prince Henry’s High School and Alcester Grammar School.

Attended and helped out at the Evesham Town 10k with Garage Art Group flag and flyers, with thanks for Evesham Running Club and Sheldon Bosely Knight's support.

Continued selling handmade and printed cards by our members to fundraise

Artwork produced by our additional learning needs groups for SpeakEasy N.O.W. to choose from to be made into postcards advertising their organisation.

Stand at Evesham's Medieval Market

Battle of Evesham stall

Sponsored walk organised by Marion Griffiths 

Stand at Evesham Volunteer Fair's 40th anniverary event at Evesham Town Hall

Visit and cheque presentation from the Mayor of Evesham

Made a fundraising Garage Art Group 2024 calendar we had printed to sell, featuring members artwork


Christmas tree exhibited at All Saints Church, Evesham’s Christmas tree display - decorations made by the Monday afternoon group.


2024


Presentation for Wychavon District Council at an event organised by their Homes for Ukraine Liaison Officer, at Wallace House Community Centre


Working on a large 'mural' sign for Evesham Town Council with direction towards Evesham Market.