Art Without Limits takes centre stage

Art Without Limits, an inclusive all-abilities art exhibition showcasing works from across the Tweed Shire and beyond, opened to the public 12 December at M|Arts Precinct, Murwillumbah, in celebration of International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD). Over 80 people attended the opening night event, which was launched by Tweed Shire Mayor, Chris Cherry, and attended by artists, family, friends and art enthusiasts. The exhibition was delivered by a huge team of volunteers involved (over 20 people) – from setting up, curating, opening night, hosting gallery viewings, as well as collaborating with all the artists, promotion, photography, and administration.

View artwork gallery

An all-abilities art exhibition

Presented by NDIS partner Social Futures, in collaboration with Tweed Disability Network Working Group and supported by Tweed Shire Council, this major exhibition features artworks created by a range of talented artists with lived experience of disability, neurodivergence and d/Deaf. The work of 65 individual artists and six art groups or collectives is being exhibited, including:

Banora Point High School

Kookaburra Art Studio

Social Futures Photovoice Project

REDincSTEPS

Tweed River High School

Social Futures Senior Manager Capacity Building and Engagement, Lynda Hope, said the Art Without Limits exhibition is a cornerstone event of the Together We Celebrate: Tweed All Abilities Events series concluding 18 December.

“The exhibition is a visual feast for art enthusiasts and expresses a broad spectrum of identities and experiences, from well-known individuals to school groups. From established artists who have made their mark on the art world such as Sandra Guy and Nathalie Dahlgren, to school students exhibiting for the very first time, every piece tells a story, sparks reflection, and strengthens the bonds within our community,” said Ms Hope.

Bringing the exhibition to life

Lynda shared a huge thank you to the artists and everyone involved in bringing the exhibition to life. Attendees enjoyed a vibrant exhibition showcasing a range of talents, and a wonderful opportunity for emerging and experienced artists to come together, connect and learn from each other.

"I’d like to offer a heartfelt thank you to Sandra Guy for your creative vision and guidance in curating this exhibition and truly celebrating the volume and diversity of the art on display.

"I also want to recognise the dedicated efforts of the Tweed Disability Network Working Group and the Tweed Shire Council team, whose hard work and collaboration have been the driving force behind this event.

"Thank you to M-Arts for generously donating this beautiful space and to Tweed Shire Council for covering essential costs related to promotion, catering, and accessibility improvements.

"Finally, I’d like to acknowledge Gemma Hayes from Social Futures. Gemma has poured her heart and soul into making this event a reality. Thank you, Gemma, for all that you’ve done to support this community and create this incredible celebration of art and inclusion, nbsp;said Ms Hope.

Sandra Guy speaks to visual art as a career opportunity

Art Without Limits showcased award-winning artist and TAFE NSW Head Teacher, Sandra Guy, who has many solo and group exhibitions under her belt along with representation by Agora Gallery in New York. As an accomplished artist who lives with disability, Ms Guy said she would like to,

“… highlight Visual Art as a career opportunity for those with Neurodiversity, and to demonstrate that people with a disability can become accomplished practitioners.”

Riley Treloar's It Takes a Village art series

This year’s poster art also celebrated digital artist Riley Treloar’s work. Having first discovered digital art on a visit to the NSW Art Gallery when he was in primary school, Riley uses Word Paint and a traditional mouse to overlay photos or draw from memory. Riley is supported by Social Futures’ local area coordination and often travels to the Tweed with his support worker to enjoy galleries. His family-inspired series called ‘It Takes a Village’ will be on display.

At the opening night event, Riley's Mum Janelle Treloar said,

"I am the incredibly proud mum of Riley. Riley’s artwork is called ‘It Takes A Village’ – we all know that when you have a child or family member with special needs it takes more than just a village!

"Riley began drawing at 6 years of age, it began as a coping mechanism. At the time Riley’s younger brother, Ashton (who also has autism) was diagnosed with Leukaemia which meant that things were unpredictable, and he never knew when Ashton or I would be home. It was a scary time for everyone. Thankfully, Ashton is now fully recovered and has just moved into his own NDIS SIL accommodation.

"During a workshop with his school art club Riley discovered digital art.nbsp; Riley had always loved magicians, and I think he believed digital art was like some kind of magic. Of late, Riley has had a chance to commission some of his art skills for a local disability provider, drawing portraits of staff for their website. It’s been a huge step and challenge for Riley to be asked to draw for people other than himself. We are all excited to see what comes next.

"Thank you to Social Futures for putting on this art show and for giving Riley and other Neurodivergent individuals a chance to showcase their collective creativity."

Imagination unleashed at Tweed River High School

Also on display will be canvas works produced through ‘Imagination Unleashed’, a creative arts program designed to empower students in the Tweed River High School support unit to express themselves through art.

“During their art lessons and free time at the school, students explore their creativity in a safe and supportive space, choosing subjects and styles that speak to them personally,”

said Anthony Kypreos, Teacher Special Education at Tweed River High School.NDIS partner Social Futures delivers Local Area Coordination services and inclusion programs for People with Disability in NSW.

For more information visit? Social Futures, call 1800 522 679 or email [email protected]