A world of expression
Art classes in Horsham are unveiling creative talent from across the Wimmera and providing an outlet for people with disabilities to express themselves.
They are also leading to impressive, colourful and eye-catching works that have already been exhibited.
Artist Nichola Clarke runs a community art studio at Centre for Participation and artists, from a variety of backgrounds, are making the most of the opportunity.
Ms Clarke said the classes involved participants from across the Wimmera, including disability support organisations such as Uniting Wimmera, Woodbine, Grampians Community Health and Cooinda at Nhill.
“The way in which my art classes run is based on providing participants with a variety of materials and equipment to create their own personal works of art,” she said.
“I like my students to have their own individual experience and I help them create an artwork of which they can be very proud. I encourage the students to do both sculpture and painting and work on community projects.”
Ms Clarke said individual groups found common ground by making friends and gaining confidence.
“They learn new skills and spend a lot of time laughing in a happy, relaxed environment. This is the key to the studio’s success,” she said.
“One unique aspect to the studio is that everyone is equal, no matter what their careers, or their disability or mental illness.
“We meet with one common goal and that is to make ‘amazing’.”
Ms Clarke said anyone keen to get involved in the art studio could call Horsham Centre for Participation on 5382 5607.