Gina Fox has been a familiar face at Avocet Court in Ipswich for the past four years, where she works part-time in the care home laundry team.
But beyond her role in keeping the home running smoothly, Gina has been leaving her mark—quite literally—on the home, the residents and visitors using her artistic talents to brighten the environment and bring joy.
An artist at heart, Gina has transformed some of the fences of Avocet Court into vibrant canvases. The most commented on is the stunning sunflower murals. These larger-than-life blooms, along with bees and other cheerful elements, played a key part in helping Avocet Court win several awards, including the prestigious overall award in this year’s Athena in Bloom competition.
Gina’s love for art and drawing is, she insists ‘just a hobby’ which she loves. Over the years, she has taken on many different jobs, from limo driver to coffee shop barista. However, she found her true calling at Avocet Court, where she loves the family-like atmosphere and the opportunity to connect with the residents.
“I love getting to know the people here,” she shares. “The home has such a warm, welcoming feel, and it’s wonderful to be part of that.”
Her big break as the home’s artist-in-residence came when she was asked to paint the mural on the fences at the back of the home. It was her first time working on such a large-scale project, and the result exceeded everyone’s expectations, including her own.
Gina spent many hours painting in her own time, often with residents sitting nearby to watch as the towering sunflowers and friendly bees came to life. While some helped with small touches, for many, simply being part of the creative process was enough.
Gina’s creative flair didn’t stop at the fences. She also took on decorating the shed and contributed artwork to Avocet Court’s recent 10th-anniversary celebration. For the “Once Upon a Time” event, her art adorned the Snow White bed—a centrepiece that was used for countless selfies during the day.
Looking ahead, Gina already has plans for next year’s artistic endeavours at the home. While the details are still under wraps, she promises they will build on the sunny themes she has already created, with improvements and expansions that are sure to bring even more delight to the Avocet Court community.
For Gina, her artwork is more than just a creative outlet—it’s a way to spread happiness and bring a little bit of sunshine into the lives of everyone around her.
