This month sees a stunning collection of artwork go on display for the first time at Eden Court, Inverness.
The Art in Transition exhibition showcases a range of artwork created by local young people with autism through an art therapy programme at Leonard Cheshire Disability’s Cheshire House in Inverness.
Now in its second year, the programme supports 16 young people, aged 18-25, using art to increase their confidence, self-esteem and enable them to communicate with the world around them.
The artwork on display ranges from striking painted canvases to contemporary sculpture and photography.
Art therapy has proven to be an effective way of encouraging individuals with autism to imagine and think symbolically, improving their ability to recognise and respond to facial expressions, as well as helping them to develop better relationships.
According to the service manager, Freda Murray, the project has seen the young people involved gain greater independence, improve their social skills and develop better relationships with other young people and their family, friends and carers.
One of the budding artists, Daryl (pictured), said: “I enjoy modelling in clay and playform. I have fun when Hazel (the art therapist) comes to Cheshire. I like to try different things in the art group, I have good ideas and I get help to turn them into something I can be proud of; I like the model I made.”
Stacy, who has created a striking art print, said: “Art is one of my favourite things to do at Cheshire House. I had to get an idea from my head and get it on to paper, and I turned it into a print of a horse. It looks lovely in the frame now and I’m very proud of it.”
The project has been funded primarily by The Gordon and Ena Baxter Foundation, which provides financial support to charities across the north of Scotland, and the exhibition also includes a selection of artwork from the late, distinguished artist Ena Baxter’s own portfolio.
Although best known for her role in Scotland’s most famous food company, Baxters Food Group, Ena’s biggest passion was painting. She was a graduate of Gray’s School of Art in Aberdeen, where she studied drawing and painting, and her oil paintings are renowned for their careful brushwork and vivid colour.
The exhibition is running throughout November and is free to visit. See www.eden-court.co.uk/whats-on/shows/art-in-transition for more details.