Dr Patton, who lives locally but has clinics at St Austell Healthcare Centre and Nuffield, has been working with the community in Launceston to celebrate and create a greater understanding of the female form. Covering everything from periods and period poverty to pregnancy, pregnancy loss and menopause, and the inevitable changes and challenges that come with this, the Launceston Women’s Health Community Art Project encouraged everyone in the community to attend various sessions in the town to listen to talks on a range of topics on women’s health, before getting creative. Paintings, collages and sketches were made by those in attendance, as they journeyed through the topics presented at each session, all while learning about women’s bodies, the amazing things they can do, and the struggles that women face as their bodies change, adapt and grow older.

The project provided a safe space for both men and women - young and old - to gather together and learn about what girls and women go through, from their first periods to menopause and hormonal changes.

Now, the art created over the past year will go on display at Launceston Health Hub, presenting what has been created and learned during the Launceston Women’s Health Community Art Project in 2025. The exhibition will take place on Friday, 1st May between 10am and 12pm.

Dr Patton said: “This community art project has been hosted in a number of venues around Launceston, aiming to bring visual arts to rural communities and encourage people to think more about women’s health. People of all ages and backgrounds have attended the workshops, creating inspiring and thought-provoking art whilst sharing their very personal experiences and stories. The workshops have brought people together, learning from each other and promoting understanding of the journeys and challenges they face.

“The power and strength of women was central to conversations and many appreciated the support that they have received from other women during their experiences. The project has has broken down societal and cultural barriers that prevent people from talking about subjects that are considered inappropriate or taboo. For many participants, this experience has increased their knowledge and self confidence regarding their own bodies. The aim of the exhibition is to bring these stories to the wider community, opening up the dialogue and bringing greater awareness of women’s health needs.”

Please be aware that the exhibition will contain artistic depictions of naked bodies, female genitals, pregnancy and pregnancy loss, birth trauma, mental health difficulties, menstruation, cancer, misogyny, gynaecological disorders, menopause and neurodiversity.

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