No limits to artists’ creative talents
Exhibition depicts people’s everyday struggles
An exhibition of creative work from an art group based at Paisley’s Disability Resource Centre has opened at the town’s museum.
The Beyond Our Limits show in the Sculpture Court will be the last exhibition in the space before Paisley Museum closes for a multimillion pound refurbishment.
The event is the result of a partnership between Renfrewshire Leisure, Renfrewshire Disability Arts Forum and the Disability Resource Centre.
Participants have been meeting once a week to create sculptures and artwork using conventional and re-cycled materials under the guidance of Renfrew artist Kevin Stewart Cantwell.
The Beyond Our Limits exhibition will run until September 8.
Joyce McKellar, chief executive of Renfrewshire Leisure, says each work is a reflection on each of the participants’ life and struggles.
She said: “Each person taking part in the art group goes on a personal journey of creative discovery and produces art far beyond what they thought was possible.
“This exhibition displays an amazing range of artwork, illustrating the development of each person’s creative process and increasing self-confidence.
“The exhibition is well worth going along to see.”
David Crichton, Renfrewshire Disability Arts Forum trustee, praised the group’s positive impact on those taking part.
He said: “We are naturally proud of the work our artists produce – as rich in variety as in form.
“At the Forum, we are as keen that participatory art should be for all, and we know it benefits health and wellbeing.
“Participation in group activity such as this delivers a boost to mental health and fights isolation.
“An exhibition such as this raises visibility of capability.”
The artists themselves clearly enjoyed showing off what they had been working on under their mentor.
Mr Crichton added:“At the launch event, the excitement of the artists was palpable, and they spoke about how much they enjoy working with Kevin Cantwell.”