Grey Matter Over Clay Matter: A Celebration of Creativity and Mental Wellbeing

Thursday, 20 March, saw the formal launch at Enniskillen Castle of the exhibition, “Grey Matter Over Clay Matter”. Showcasing 10 years of clay workshops with artist Jim Fee, the exhibition includes pottery made by Action Mental Health Men’s Shed and clients of Action Mental Health New Horizons, Drumcoo, Enniskillen. The show is a celebration of the transformative power of creative expression in supporting mental health.

Opening the exhibition, Councillor John McClaughry, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, commended the achievements of everyone involved in the collective exhibition, recognising the importance of creativity in fostering mental well-being and said,

”Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is committed to ensuring our people are healthy and well physically, emotionally and mentally and to promoting the arts and ensuring it is accessible to everyone. I am therefore, pleased that we can host this exhibition here in Enniskillen Castle, to demonstrate our commitment and also provide an opportunity for local residents to showcase their talents.

I would like to commend Action Health Fermanagh New Horizons and the Men’s Shed for inviting Jim to deliver the workshops and providing the members with the opportunity to participate so they can engage with the arts which in turn has a positive impact on their health and wellbeing.”

Artist Jim Fee reflected on his experience of running the workshops and the exhibition’s significance, noting,

“The past ten years never really felt like work… more like a journey.” He expressed gratitude to the museum for providing an inspiring space to display both his own work and the remarkable pieces crafted by the workshop participants.
Guest speaker Barney Devine, a leader in community-led heritage initiatives, spoke passionately about the deep historical and personal connection to clay,

“The physical contact with clay seemed to raise everyone’s spirits and generated a great deal of laughter and fun. Clay is truly elemental stuff.”
The exhibition is not only a testament to skill and creativity but also to the impact of artistic expression on mental health. Caroline Ferguson, Deputy Director of Operations at Action Mental Health, highlighted this,

“Grey Matter over Clay Matter is an inspiring and thought-provoking exhibition of our clients’ talents and creativity, and a fine example of the power of creative expression in recovery from mental ill health.”

The range of pottery on display features intricately coiled pots and hand-built sculptures to richly coloured ceramic animals and thought-provoking abstract pieces. Each creation tells a personal story, reinforcing the importance of self-expression and the therapeutic role of art.

This exhibition stands as a powerful statement on accessibility in the arts, demonstrating that creativity is for everyone. The exhibition is on display to the public at Enniskillen Castle, until Saturday 10 May 2025 and invites visitors to witness the beauty, resilience, and creativity of these remarkable artists.

Further information on admission to the exhibition is available at www.enniskillencastle.co.uk or telephone 028 6632 5000.