An exhibition of work from community groups from across Fermanagh went on display at the Lakeland Community Care (LCC) Centre in Belcoo recently.

"It's More than Art" was a collaborative collection of work made possible through Lakeland Community Care and funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, The Rural Engagement Arts Programme and WEST (Widening Engagement and Services to Thrive)

Local artist, Michelle Duffy, from Garrison, was the Arts co-ordinator of the programme which was a series of painting sessions with the different groups to create the work for the exhibition.

"The nature of this programme was to be creative with various groups across our community, this ranged from the day centres in our local villages of Garrison, Belcoo, Boho, Teemore, Newtownbutler, Derrygonnelly, the Belcoo Friday Fun Club and the Women as One group," Michelle explained.

"It was a back-to-basics approach, re-introducing various mediums of art from pencils, charcoal, pastels, chalks, and watercolours while studying a still life. This then led on to the last session which was a landscape created using acrylic paints."

Michelle said in each session everyone grew in confidence with their artistic ability, which can be seen from the impressive display of work.

"Art is really amazing and has so many beneficial properties, it helps dexterity in the hands enhancing fine motor skills, it reduces stress and helps us to relax, it gives us the ability to express ourselves, it also helps with positive mental health and just makes us feel better, and being creative in groups helps build connections together.

"Delivering this programme has been a very positive experience for myself, being creative is what I do on a daily basis and I feel all the benefits of all aspects of art.

"It has been a very rewarding experience being out in the community seeing these artists day one looking slightly apprehensive about what they have to do and then by the last session seeing their creativity just flow.

"These groups are really a lifeline in our community, the social aspect, the support on hand from each other and the fantastic carers.”