Moving On showcases artwork from people in recovery

The Moving On Inverclyde exhibition at the art centre used pictures and words to share people's experiences.

Ronnie Cowan MP visited the display to chat to some of the artists.

He said: "I like my art and this particular exhibition was really poignant.

"With people sharing the experience of recovery it was quite moving."

One of the artists Tommy Moran, 64, has been painting for a number of years.

He is thriving since being supported by Moving On.

Tommy said: "I had been in the forces for 23 years and due to stress, I had a problem with addiction.

"Art is a great release for me, it helps mentally and physically.

"It's a chance to meet other people and share experiences.

"Moving On is a great organisation. I have been a member for seven months.

"It's great to wake up in the mornings without a hangover and look forward to my day."

Tommy says he likes to experiment with colour and draws inspiration from local scenes such as the Municipal Buildings, old Greenock and Wellpark - as well as the old masters such as Claude Monet.

He uses acrylics and copied some of his work from postcards while for other pieces he takes photographs of a scene then paints it.

Another exibitor, Jason King, says he has been alcohol-free for seven months and that art is an 'escape' for hin.

He said: "Moving On has been great for me, I have had support from staff and I have a key worker.

"I didn't know I could draw but it helps to turn all your negatives into positives.

"I go to groups on a Tuesday and Thursday and I also volunteer at the Pantry in John Wood Street to help fill my time.

"One of my pictures shows a mountain with me down at the bottom at the start and now I am up at the top of it."

Bev Thow, service manager with Moving On Inverclyde, said: "All the contributions are from our service users as part of recovery month.

"It's an opportunity for people to tell the story from their perspective, using their own words and pictures."