AN artist has returned to Newquay to complete his 18-month nationwide tour to raise awareness around mental health and make a stand against loneliness.

Graham Cullis has visited 34 towns and communities, creating free gatherings designed to bring people together through art, meditation, mindfulness and movement as part of his free Splat & Splash tour.

He has lived on the road in his van running events week after week in communities across the country with support from the Your Art Connect team since setting off on September 1 of last year. Graham has hosted sober silent discos using disco equipment supplied by Ant Durkin at Newquay based ssssilentdisco, group meditations and creative workshops during the solo mission.

He often arrived in a town without a confirmed venue and used social media, WhatsApp communities and local press to make each event happen.

A key part of the tour has been the creation of one artwork in every location, which have included St Ives, Falmouth, Kynance Cove and Sennen Beach.

Participants are invited to throw paint onto a blank canvas, with each splat representing emotion, release and connection.

Graham has then painted a final image over the top inspired by that town, creating a unique collaborative piece.

Each original artwork is valued at £1,000, with all proceeds donated to Your Art Connect CIC to support arts and mental health initiatives.

The full collection of 34 paintings will now be prepared for a major London exhibition at The Bike Shed, Shoreditch on October 16, celebrating the completion of the nationwide tour.

Graham has also worked alongside local mental health organisations in many of the towns visited throughout the journey, helping to signpost and support those who attended the events.

These stories and partnerships will form part of the narrative behind each painting at the London exhibition.

The grand finale event will be held at the Killacourt Bandstand on Saturday, April 25.

The free all-ages event will include a sober silent disco, sensory art workshop and group meditation from 12pm onwards.

An afterparty at a beach location around Newquay will follow later in the day.

Graham said: “I have seen epic changes, healing and new initiatives spring up in the wake of my path.

“This has been by far the toughest, most magical and epic challenge of my art career so far. Nearly eight months on the road, week after week, has pushed me in every way possible.

“These gatherings have been about showing people they’re not alone, that connection can happen anywhere.

“People have discovered loving communities, art, meditation, dance, and sea swimming, all of which can be used as holistic tools for mental health.

“People have often walk away with new friends and a genuine feeling of belonging.

“Now the tour has finished, I definitely need a rest.

“But there is no rest for the awesome.

“I’ll be spending the summer in and around Newquay working closely with Your Art Connect, finishing the paintings and preparing everything for Shoreditch. Next stop, London.”