Provost Winifred Sloan is pictured with Gillian Harvey the Art Tutor who assisted Care and Share members in the design and construction of the mosaic.
A stunning mosaic made up of individually crafted tiles and created by members of an award winning homeless project has been enjoying the limelight, after it was selected for exhibit by South Ayrshire Council at Rozelle Galleries.
Earlier this year, a book of poetry and verse entitled 'Muses' was produced by members of the group and launched by Councillor Hywel Davies at Riverside Church in Ayr.
It proved to be a literary hit and the mosaic, designed and created by members, was unveiled at the same time
The dazzling piece of art proved to be such a talking point, South Ayrshire Council asked for it to go on public display at Rozelle. It was unveiled there at a glittering ceremony by Provost Winifred Sloan and has now been seen by hundreds of visitors.
Provost Sloan said: "The mosaic is stunning. The design and the skill that has gone into creating it is outstanding. Hundreds of people have now seen this mosaic and I am positive that people will be talking about it for years to come."
Established in February 2008 as a drop in lunch club, Care and Share is run for and by people who are either homeless, have been homeless, or who are vulnerable to homelessness.
Initiatives have included literacy and creative writing, arts and crafts, computer training, website design and the production of a DVD. The workshops help develop skills and assist members back into employment or college.
The project has grown from three members to well over thirty – with 1500 clients making use of the facility since it was launched at Riverside Evangelical Church.
Ian Gall, Associate Pastor at Riverside Church said: "We were delighted the Council wanted to exhibit the mosaic at Rozelle and the request came hot on the heels of the recognition our book received.
"It's been a massive boost to our members and created a real buzz and sense of achievement for members of the project.
"Care and Share's development has been boosted by the number of our clients who take an active role in managing the project, becoming partners in the group's development and the exhibition is a real bonus, affirming all their hard work and effort.
"They drive the agenda and as a result of their enthusiasm and commitment, spin-off projects are established. Both the book and the mural are excellent examples of this."
Councillor Margaret Toner, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, Tourism and Leisure said: "In 2009 Care and Share received national recognition winning a prestigious COSLA Excellence Award for health improvement and have led from the front in developing best practice in partnership working.
"The additional workshops and skills programme have made a direct contribution to the book and the mosaic and these have both been outstanding pieces of literature and art.
"Quite rightly, this masterpiece deserves to be on display at Rozelle. It's a fantastic creation and is a real head turner.
"I'm thrilled the project is reaping the rewards for all the hard work the members have undertaken and I can't wait to see what they produce next!"