Individuals with disabilities or special needs recently participated in a special Masterworks 'Arts For All' workshop at WindReach Recreational Village, during which they spent the day creating a mural of a horse in a field.

The workshop was part of Masterworks' semi-annual 'Arts For All', a free programme for the public led by instructors Richard Tait and Caroline Barlow from London, England.

At the end of the workshop, the mural, made by wetting felt and rubbing it together with soap and water, was given to WindReach, where it will be hung on a wall so that those who made it can see it whenever they visit the Warwick facility.

Programme and event coordinator Jeann Flath at WindReach, declared the workshop "a real success".

"There was a good cross-section of abilities where all could work on the mural. I hope that we can work together with Masterworks again next year. Richard and Caroline were great, and worked well with the participants," she said.

Mrs. Flath said the mission of the WindReach Recreational Village is to provide an inclusive and accessible recreational facility for all to enjoy, and the 'Arts for All' workshop exemplified that goal.

"The felt mural was a wonderful format to use for the programme, because it ensured that a large community group with varied skill sets could all participate and contribute. Once we get a backing and hooks on the mural we will hang it in our upstairs hall."

The visiting instructors were assisted by Masterworks staff and WindReach volunteers, who helped the children to put the mural together.

Larry Whitter, a teacher at Hope Academy, brought a busload of children with diverse disabilities to the workshop.

"It was great for the kids as it was hands-on. They most definitely enjoyed it. We do art in school, but not with this type of material," he said.

Thomas Moore, the therapist accompanying eight-year-old Austin Lines, who is autistic, agreed.

"I found the art class very beneficial because it gave Austin the opportunity to focus on something sensory, and it kept him regulated. It was an interactive, enjoyable art day, which was great for him because he worked with his hands. Spreading soap out over wool was a calming activity, and he didn't want to get up. We would love to attend again. Everyone was very accepting, and the teachers were extremely helpful."

Barbara Lines, Austin's mother, said she too would welcome more classes of a similar nature.

One participant said of the day's activity: "I really enjoyed working on the 'Masterpiece'. It was a working-together piece of art. I think that others should like it too."

Carrie Zenti, Masterworks' education coordinator, hailed the collaborative workshop, featuring individual families, students from Dame Marjorie Bean Hope Academy and Orange Valley, as "a shining example of what Masterworks 'Arts for All' programme aims to achieve — bringing a creative, fun, enriching art opportunity to all".

"We realised that some participants had very different learning styles and varying abilities, and we took care to ensure that those with special needs were included in this free community event," she said.

"'Arts for All' provided an outlet whereby all could achieve and interact. The benefits could be seen first-hand, and Masterworks is committed to providing this opportunity again in the future. Art can certainly bridge barriers and bring the community together. It was inspiring to be involved, the staff and volunteers enjoyed it every bit as much as the students."