PRISM by Lizzie Rodriguez
PRISM, a moving colourful sculpture has been created for The Worcester Plinth by artist Lizzie Rodriguez in collaboration with the Worcester Snoezelen Centre, a multi-sensory therapy centre in Worcester. Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund through Worcester City Council, PRISM sets out to capture the colour, vibrancy and happiness of the Snoezey environment.
“PRISM is the first in a series of three sculptures for The Worcester Plinth where a local charity and artist collaborate to reflect or explore the actions of the charity,” said Oliver Carpenter of The Worcester Plinth. “It gives the charity a different way to talk about what it does and, with this one, it has also been an opportunity for lots of people to contribute and support Lizzie’s idea to bring colour, movement and light to the heart of Worcester. These three works will be funded by money given to Worcester City Council by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (a UK Government fund) and we are very appreciative of the City Council team for selecting this project for funding.”
“Worcester Snoezelen is a very special place and we proudly celebrate the 30 years the charity has been developing,” said Jane Roberts, the Centre’s Chief Officer. “Our Plinth sculpture reflects the sensory centre, the colourfulness of our members and the cohesive approach the charity takes to celebrating sensory happiness for all. We hope you like the thousand beautiful ribbons blowing in the breeze created by our members, carers, families, staff and trustees inspired by our imaginative & talented artist Lizzie Rodriguez.”
The fifth sculpture to be commissioned and displayed on The Worcester Plinth, PRISM will be displayed on the riverside for around eight weeks and will then find a home displayed around the Worcester Snoezelen’s sensory garden. It is important for the team at The Worcester Plinth team that all the new works we commission have a long term home so they can be enjoyed for many years to come. Previous works are on permanent display at the Fish Pass at Diglis, a school in St Johns and a private home in Worcester for example.
INFORMATION FOR EDITORS
About Lizzie Rodriguez
Lizzie Rodriguez of Sunshine and Stars Art is a local artist who paints Astro art in an impressionist style, gaining inspiration from images from Astrophotographers, Hubble and the James Webb Space Telescope. She works at Snoezelen leading art sessions for our members.
I set out to create a sculpture of light, colour, texture and movement because they are all so important to the sensory experience at Snoezelen. By working with as many Snoezey members, staff and families as possible to create the piece we could demonstrate the ethos of inclusivity that runs through everything Worcester Snoezelen stands for. We hope you enjoy our thousands of colourful ribbons blowing in the wind and that we managed to encompass that colour and movement that captures the happiness of the Snoezey environment.
This artwork was made in collaboration with Lizzie by Charlie Teasdale, Sarah Field, Aaron Ingles, Laura Gill, Ben Lee, Phillip Corbett, Kwai Chan, Shirley Pederson, Mary Brant, April Camden, John Davies, Liam Clifford, Viv Adams, Lottie Hawkins, Sarah-Jane Brown, Simon Jordon, Fahmeyda Begum, Abigail Woodward, Matthew Halligan, Ernie Aliband, Patrick McCann, Laura Reaper, Cat O’Connell, Beth Hiatt, Olivia Miller, Jane Roberts, Dom Maloney, Ivy Roberts, Worcester Snoezelen CIO Trustees, Steven Wattison, Christopher Murphy and Paul Mousley.
Instagram &Facebook @sunshineandstarsart
About Worcester Snoezelen
Worcester Snoezelen is a multi-sensory therapy centre for people of all ages who have disabilities and additional needs. Based in St Johns Worcester and has been delivering life enhancing services for 30 years. Snoezelen has multi-sensory rooms, a hydrotherapy pool, Soft Play area and a sensory garden to help us with exploring the world by using our senses.
The specialist equipment and skilled staff help our members enjoy the sensory environment. Music, Arts, Yoga, Baby Swim and Play Therapy are staff led services offered at the centre. Group activities for children and families include our Tuesday Sensory Play sessions for under 5’s and Snoezey Sundays. These are both popular activities where families and carers can take part in experiential learning, relax with other parents and spend quality time in a sensory oasis. Rock School, Activity Wednesday and Sounds Inclusive are group activities packed with fun specifically for adults who have learning disabilities. Performance opportunities and arts exhibitions help to highlight diversity, talents and challenge preconceived ideas about disability.
The Snoezelen concept was originally founded by Dutch psychologists. The concept is based on creating a purposeful space kitted out with stimuli which evokes the senses. The warmth of the waterbed, the sound of the bubble tubes, the rotating projected images and the smell of essential oils. For most this would be a relaxing space however for people who are neurodiverse or have cognitive and physical impairments this space may offer tranquillity and a feeling of calm within a scary world which they may have no control. Others may find it stimulating to interact with the colours, tactile objects and movement sensitive equipment. Most of all its fun!