The Smile Within Art Exhibition
An exhibition and online auction of original artwork — sparking conversations around mindfulness, resilience and emotional wellbeing in dentistry.
15 & 16 May 2026·NEC Birmingham, Stand H94
New to silent auctions? How bidding works·
Causeway Sun Setting
Ossie Bruce
The Space Between
Martin W. Curran
Cool Light on the Poppies
Damien Walmsley
Curiosity at Work
Georgios Giazitzis
Large Red Damselfly
Richard Graham
Calm Amongst the Chaos
Jenna Davies
Whispers of Water
Dr Palwasha Rafi
Serenity
Aneeka Ashraf
Causeway Sun Setting
Ossie Bruce
The Space Between
Martin W. Curran
Cool Light on the Poppies
Damien Walmsley
Curiosity at Work
Georgios Giazitzis
Large Red Damselfly
Richard Graham
Calm Amongst the Chaos
Jenna Davies
Whispers of Water
Dr Palwasha Rafi
Serenity
Aneeka Ashraf
18 artists · 49 original works
A quiet argument for care.
The Smile Within aims to spark conversations around mindfulness, resilience and emotional wellbeing through the universal language of art.
The exhibition was the brainchild of John Ulahannan, former Trustee of the BDA Benevolent Fund, who sadly passed away unexpectedly. John had a passion for art and mental health advocacy within dentistry, and the exhibition seeks to honour his legacy and inspire conversation and change.
Browse the artwork.
Explore original paintings, drawings, prints and photography by 18 artists — dentists, specialists and friends of the profession — each interpreting themes of mindfulness, mental wellbeing and emotional resilience.
Ossie BruceBDS (QUB)
2 pieces
Martin W. CurranDS FDS(RCPS) MFGDP
1 piece
Damien Walmsley
2 pieces·Artist attending
Georgios Giazitzis
4 pieces·Artist attending
Richard Graham
4 pieces
Jenna Davies
2 pieces·Artist attending
Dr Palwasha Rafi
4 pieces
Aneeka Ashraf
1 piece
Karen Paterson
2 pieces·Artist attending
Julie-Anne Richmond
1 piece
Dr Nitam Narkhede
3 pieces·Artist attending
Dr Thomas Ulahannan
3 pieces·Artist attending
Catherine Holmes
3 pieces
Fine art Giclée print, Hahnemühle Photo Rag Pearl
Calm Beneath the Storm
94 × 71 × 4 cm (framed)
from £1,000
Fine art Giclée print, Hahnemühle Photo Rag Pearl
Never Smile at a Crocodile
94 × 71 × 4 cm (framed)
from £1,200
Fine art Giclée print, Hahnemühle Photo Rag Pearl
Hidden Jewel
94 × 71 × 4 cm (framed)
from £2,000
Bridget K Ashton
1 piece·Artist attending
Les Jones
2 pieces·Artist attending
Wendy Farr
6 pieces
Nigel Mallon
6 pieces
Original photograph
The Butterfly Effect (France)
30 × 45 × 1 cm
from £30
Original photograph
Skimming the Surface (Tanzania)
30 × 45 × 1 cm
from £30
Original photograph
Resilience (Burundi)
30 × 45 × 1 cm
from £30
Original photograph
The Eye of the Little Man (Cameroon)
30 × 45 × 1 cm
from £50
Original photograph
Surreal Sunflowers (Ukraine)
30 × 60 × 1 cm
from £75
Original photograph
Umbrella (Burundi)
45 × 60 × 1 cm
from £100
How bidding works.
Every piece can be acquired through a pledge-based auction. The highest pledge at the close of the exhibition secures the artwork — and every penny supports the two charities behind it.
- 01
Choose a piece
Browse the artwork and open the page of any piece that speaks to you.
- 02
Pledge your bid
Open the Bridge2Aid silent auction on Zeffy, find the piece by name, and pledge a charitable donation at or above the minimum bid.
- 03
Bid closes 3:45pm, 16 May
The auction closes promptly at 3:45pm on Saturday 16th May 2026, during the exhibition at the NEC.
- 04
Highest bid wins
If your bid is the highest, we will be in touch to arrange the delivery of your artwork.
Auction closes
3:45pm, Saturday 16 May 2026
Two charities. One shared purpose.
By bidding, you’re not only potentially acquiring a unique piece of art for your practice or home — you’re also helping fund two vital causes.
Mental health is a critical issue in dentistry, and we want to ensure that no dental professional feels alone when facing challenges. This exhibition is a creative way to raise awareness and funds, while celebrating resilience and wellbeing in our profession.
Art has the power to connect people and spark conversations. By supporting this event, people will be helping us continue our mission to provide sustainable dental care in communities that need it most. Together, we can make a lasting impact, both locally and globally.
The physical exhibition.
Experience every piece in person — a quiet room, made for conversation, at the heart of the UK’s largest dental event.
Dates
Friday 15 &
Saturday 16 May 2026
Location
NEC Birmingham
Stand H94
British Dental Conference & Dentistry Show
Admission
Register for the show
Entry to The Smile Within is free for conference attendees.