Creativity & Connection Exhibition
March 2026

Our group of artists in Smyrna holding certificates, with their colourful artwork behind them. A table with snacks is in the foreground. Smiles convey a celebratory mood.

The artists with the Mayor, the facilitators and our volunteer.

A powerful art exhibition at Smyrna, in Aberfan, gave a voice to the "invisible army" of unpaid carers in Merthyr Tydfil. The display featured all original works, ranging from Neurographic art, squeegee art, mindfulness mandalas and more, all created by local residents who provide essential care for loved ones.

| Images | Feedback from Exhibition |

Behind the closed doors of Merthyr Tydfil, a silent army of thousands keeps watch.

They are the unpaid carers—sons, daughters, and partners—whose lives are defined by "quiet endurance" and "sleepless nights".

For many, their own identities have become "shadows of their former selves," lost in the 24-hour cycle of another’s needs.

Taff Rocks wanted to change this for as many as we could - even if it was only for a moment.

In late 2025, we were successful in receiving funding from the Amser Grant, managed by Interlink and VAMT to deliver 12 weeks of term-time sessions for unpaid carers. Some with the ability to bring their cared-for person with them.

Our aim was to improve the wellbeing of this very often overlooked group of essential people and give them the knowledge and skills needed to add an additional tool to their self-care toolkit.

Each brushstroke is a reclamation of self, turning the "messy, gut-wrenching paths" of caregiving into something tangible, beautiful, and profoundly visible.

During this time, we were also able to provide a sense of "common humanity," by allowing carers to connect with others who truly understand their journey. By engaging in art it helped our carers enter a deep "flow state," providing a much-needed mental distraction from the "long to-do lists" and daily stressors of caregiving.

Our amazing and creative beneficiaries reported a boost in self-esteem and pride, rediscovering their own "interests, dreams, and goals" beyond their caring role.

Below you will see a simple showcase of their creations as well as some feedback we have received.

Gallery

Three colourful mandala paintings on small easels display intricate dot patterns in vibrant colours. Below, six dotting tools are arranged in a fan shape.
Mindfulness Mandala (1)
Three colourful dot mandala paintings on small easels are displayed on a table. In front, there are eight, multi-coloured dotting tools.
Mindfulness Mandala (2)
Colourful handmade clay bowls are displayed on stands and a clear rack, accompanied by blue sculpting tools. A sign reads "Airdrying Clay [ADC]."
Air Drying Clay
Display of colourful polymer clay figurines on a tiered stand, tools and clay blocks nearby. Label reads "Polymer Clay." Bright, creative atmosphere.

Polymer Clay    

A display of colourful, handmade jugs and decorative animal figurines on a white tablecloth. Items include floral and patterned designs, radiating creativity.

3D decorated hand-cast pieces (1)  

Handcrafted plaster jugs with colourful designs are displayed on a table. A sign titled "Handcast Plaster Pieces" is placed in the centre.

3D decorated hand-cast pieces (2)  

Colourful handcrafted mushroom pieces displayed on a table with painted designs. Bright tones and playful patterns create a whimsical atmosphere.

3D decorated hand-cast pieces (3)  

A display board showing colourful abstract neurographic art with swirling patterns, outlined shapes, and vibrant colours. The mood feels lively and creative.

Neurographic Art  

Art display featuring nine colourful paintings hung on a beige canvas backdrop. Tables on either side hold small crafts and informational papers. Bright and inviting.

Squeegee Art

A collection of colorful artwork on display, featuring abstract designs, hearts, a cat on a crescent moon, and a floral collage. A sign asks, "How do you see me?" The artworks evoke creativity and introspection.

'How I see me'

Spiral-bound colour theory book pages displaying vivid colour wheels labelled "Primary," "Secondary," and "Tertiary Colours." The setup is artistic and educational.

Colour theory

Art display with sketches and colourful abstract faces. A decorated journal features layered paper designs and fabric flowers. Creative and vibrant.

Icebreaker session

'Blind' portraits

Exhibition Feedback
Not many left their names but there are one or two who won't mind us sharing their names here with you.

A wonderful art exhibition and a fantastic venue with so much happening.
Everybody should be so proud of themselves.
- Mayor Paula Layton and Cllr Declan Sammon

Amazing work.
Neuro-art, incredible.

Wonderful event.
Artists interaction was amazing, so many individual stories.
Thank you Taff Rocks

Amazing display - felt like walking round a gallery.
The artwork brought tears to my eyes. It's incredible how people find their hidden talents.
Great variety of activities and art types laid on by Taff Rocks. Not just rocks.
- Jas

So inclusive and non-judgmental.

What a lovely morning, but sad at the same time, well done Nic and Hayley for your hard work, it looked amazing, the display.
I have really enjoyed the twelve weeks, lucky to be in a lovely group.

Thank you for growing something great from nothing.

Amazing and uplifting display and so great to see how much joy creating the art brought to both the participants and the great people at Taff Rocks.

Amazing and impactful experience.
Hearing the artists speak about how important these session were was very emotional.
Well done everyone involved.

Really amazing exhibition.
It surprised my the quality and variety of the work created.
Very inspirational.
- Darryl

I really enjoyed the exhibition. It was very well laid out.
It was lovely to see everyone's work out and displayed.
The atmosphere was very pleasant and friendly.
Overall a very positive experience. 

Thank you for the invitation, it has been amazing to hear how successful the project has been and to hear the impact it has made to those who attended the group.
Well done.

I am on such a high.
Absolutely ecstatic with the turnout to celebrate all our participant work.

Totally blown away by the whole experience.
Great to see the art pieces set out so perfect.

Thank you for being so flexible, so important

The Smyrna building. A small stone chapel with a classic gabled roof and arched windows. The entrance features a wooden door. The building evokes a serene, historical ambiance.
Registered office:

Smyrna Chapel Community Hall,
Aberfan Road, Aberfan,
Merthyr Tydfil CF48 4QN

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Charity Registration
  • Taff Rocks is registered in England and Wales as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). Registered Charity Number: 1192749
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