Creativity and community shine at Abingdon CSS art exhibition
People supported by Oxfordshire’s Community Support Services (CSS) were at the heart of a vibrant two-day art exhibition on 2 and 3 October, celebrating creativity, collaboration, and community spirit across the county.
Organised by Tallulah Allmond, Team Leader in the Adult Social Care team at Oxfordshire County Council, the exhibition showcased a wide range of artwork and handmade crafts created by people supported across Oxfordshire’s CSS centres.
The event featured:
- Pottery creations from Abingdon and Witney CSS, crafted during sessions led by pottery tutor Kerry.
- Woodburning (pyrography) and mixed media artwork from Abingdon CSS.
- Paintings and drawings from Oxford CSS.
- Handmade crafts from Wantage CSS.
The exhibition was a collaborative effort, with staff and people supported by CSS playing key roles in running the event.
Attendees were warmly welcomed, and those supported by CSS managed the pottery and cake sale tables, served refreshments, and proudly spoke about their work. Many had created additional pottery items specifically for sale, which proved popular with visitors.
The event drew visitors from community support services across Oxfordshire, OCC staff based at the Abbey Centre, and members of the public.
Feedback from the day was overwhelmingly positive.
Catherine Leeson, Team Leader at Oxford CSS, said: “It was so nice to be able to purchase some of the pottery items and I am very pleased with the little trinket dish which I bought.”
Lucille Vaughan, who attends Abingdon CSS, said: “The art exhibition was really good, and I felt proud to see my artwork on display. I met and talked to new people. I liked seeing all the other day centres’ work. A massive thank you to Tallulah for her hard work.”
Councillor Tim Bearder, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Events like this showcase the incredible creativity and community spirit within our support services. It’s inspiring to see people come together to celebrate talent, inclusion and the power of art to connect us.”
Looking ahead, CSS teams are gearing up for a festive Christmas Art and Craft Exhibition on 1 December. Handmade items will be available to purchase, with proceeds supporting CSS centres. The event will also feature an award ceremony for winners of the county-wide Christmas card competition.
Photos from the exhibition and further updates can be found on the Abingdon CSS Facebook page.
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