An artist whose paintings can been found across Europe is choosing Mountbatten Isle of Wight as the next venue to exhibit her work.

Karen Taggart says it is her way of giving something back after being made to feel so welcome as a patient at the hospice charity.

All proceeds from paintings sold at the exhibition will go to Mountbatten Isle of Wight.

Karen moved to the Isle of Wight 20 years ago and says she’s been greatly inspired by the “ever-changing light and beauty of its countryside”.

Her exhibition is called ‘It’s Been a Pleasure,’ because painting has been one of the great pleasures of Karen’s life. She says this might be the last exhibition of her work.

Among the mixed media and watercolour works are ‘Autumn Riches’, ‘Towards Freshwater’ and ‘Birches Shimmering’, which all capture the atmosphere of the Island’s nature and environment.

Karen said: “People here have been very kind and helpful to me. It's a way of saying thank you.”

Karen’s exhibition can be found at the Mountbatten Isle of Wight Art Gallery, near the John Cheverton Centre, off Halberry Lane in Newport, until 2 January 2025.

Mountbatten Isle of Wight is one-third funded by the NHS but this money has not risen in line with inflation, and even this is under threat, while our costs continue to rise. Our charity increasingly relies on the two thirds of funding that comes from the community. 

We provide 24/7 expert end-of-life and palliative care services to around 2,300 people in any one day, in their homes across the Isle of Wight and in our 16-bed inpatient unit, in Newport, along with other services including rehabilitation, bereavement support and children’s services.