We are delighted to confirm the winners of our 10th annual Christmas art competition for brain injury survivors.
Judges were overwhelmed with the number of entries received and found it a real challenge to pick just 14 lucky winners from the 10th anniversary competition.
Renowned artist, Lex McFadyen, who himself experienced a brain injury, joined the panel in October and was thoroughly impressed by the standard of entries.
He said: “Having suffered from a brain injury I know the trauma that can come from that but being an artist and seeing other people working with art, I know how good that can be for your soul.
“All of the entries have been amazing, and it’s been a revelation to see all the diversity in the art.”
The Awards Ceremony
Charities from across Scotland flocked to the House for an Art Lover in Glasgow on Tuesday 5 December where individuals received prizes for entries that made it into the final calendar.
Chris Stewart, Head of Digby Brown’s Serious Injury Department, hosted the winner’s lunch and praised the efforts of all who took part.
Chris said: “The whole purpose of the Christmas Card and Calendar competition is to showcase the incredible artistic talents of those living with brain injuries across Scotland.
“The fact that we’re here today celebrating the 10th anniversary of the competition speaks volumes to how important expressing yourself through art can be as part of someone's recovery from brain injury.
“This year, it’s been our privilege to have renowned artist, Lex McFadyen, come along to help us with the judging.
“The entries have been top-class, so a huge thank you to everyone from brain injury groups across Scotland who entered, and well done to our winners!”
Jayne McClymont, Manager at Headway Ayrshire, spoke about the importance of art as part of recovery from brain injury and what the annual competition means to the group.
She said: “We run our weekly art group for our clients to come and participate in and it’s very good for their hand-eye co-ordination, for concentration, for memory work and most of all, to relax and forget about their troubles.
“We always enter the competition at Digby Brown every year and we’ve had the cover winner, Quincy McGarrie, and Leanne Walker won the October month as well, so it’s been fantastic for them.
“We can’t thank Digby Brown enough for giving us this opportunity every year.”
Christmas Card Winner 2023
One lucky artist wins the chance to see their artwork used for the annual Digby Brown Christmas Card which the firm sends festive wishes to external partners and stakeholders.
The 2024 Calendar
The other 13 winners will see their artwork displayed in the 2024 Calendar which is shared with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) support groups across the country.
Each winning artist receives a £20 M&S voucher, a certificate and multiple copies of the card and calendar to share with family and friends, while the charity they represent also receives a cheque for £200. Groups who submitted artwork but sadly didn’t win, also received £100 each.
Find full details of the winning entries below:
Front cover – Quincy McGarrie, Headway Ayrshire
January – Norma Wright, Headway Perth and Kinross
February – Michael Garrett, Headway Highland
March – Elaine Hepburn, Headway Glasgow
April – Emily Mackay, Ward 5, Royal Victoria Hospital
May – Karen Clark, Capability Scotland – Dumfries & Galloway
June – Andrew Matthew, Headway East Lothian
July – Michelle Brown, Headway Glasgow
August – Andrew Graham, BIEN Group
September – Issy Robertson, Headway Dundee and Angus
October – Leanne Walker, Headway Ayrshire
November – Laurence Coll, Quarriers – The Sunshine Club
December – Grace Porter, Headway East Lothian.