A creative output for people with mental health issues has resulted in a vibrant art exhibition.
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The Mittagong Club Trust Art Group has undertaken many projects, all positively embraced and enthusiastically fulfilled.
Mittagong Disability Trust support worker Jasmine Bailey said the exhibition has given the artists free rein to paint on whatever they desire.
“They attend a program each week and they’ve been attending the course for around a month,” Ms Bailey said.
“They’re amazing artists. There are around 120 works in total to view with some artists individually completing up to 18 pieces.
“The works have really beautiful vibrant colours. They look awesome and the exhibition looks really good.
“The clients will be attending opening night so attendees will have the opportunity to interact with the artists if they would like.”
The exhibition would not happen without the help from others.
“Team leaders, Tony Deigan and Barbara Taylor have spent hours putting the exhibition together,” Ms Bailey said.
The group unveiling their work this Friday have participated in art exhibitions held in the Foyer Gallery at Wingecarribee Shire Council and currently have a mural in the Empire Cinema Walkway.
“At the Disability Trust we give the clients free range on their arts and creative output and it has therapeutic purposes for everyone,” Ms Bailey said.
“They get to put a bit of music on and relax. They all sit together and interact with one another. It’s a great opportunity for them to get into their own headspace and have a creative output on how they’re feeling. It’s very social and therapeutic for them.”
Art Trust Program team leader Barry Ehlers said it was really good watching the artists on their creative journey.
“It was great to watch them express themselves,” Mr Ehlers said.
“The art teacher would give them a theme to follow and they would then be free to create whatever they felt.
“It has allowed our clients to be more included in the community which is what our motto is all about.
“It’s also a chance for them to show off their talent. It was great when they would explain why they painted their piece.
“Most of our clients suffer from a mental health issue and it’s their way of getting out what’s in their head at that moment.
“I loved watching them create. I also felt that the colours that they would use would represent how they were feeling as well.
The exhibition will be held at Bowral Art Gallery on Friday, January 11 at 5pm. Entry is free and all paintings will be available for purchase.