A group of artists with learning disabilities exhibited their work and attended a drinks and canapés reception at the prestigious Halcyon Gallery in Mayfair recently.
More than 170 pieces of art, including canvasses and glass work, were featured in the exhibition by artists who are all supported by learning disability charity Norwood.
The drinks reception was attended by 300 guests who had the opportunity to meet many of the artists and buy the pieces on display. On the night, more than £22,000 was raised through sales of artwork.
Funds raised from the show will be used to develop one of Norwood’s social enterprise initiatives, which will enable some of the people it supports to learn new skills to assist them into the workplace, or to get more involved in art-based projects from which they will be able to earn their own money.
One exhibitor, Rachelle Adler, who lives at a Norwood residential home in Hendon, northwest London, said: “It makes me so happy to see my artwork in the Gallery. I love doing art as it’s something I am interested in and that I have achieved myself.”
Russell Green, managing director of the Halcyon Gallery, said: “The Gallery has worked with Norwood for 8 years now, and this is the second time we’ve hosted The Art Show. The Norwood residents are such an amazing group of people and the event [was] great. It was fantastic to see the artists’ faces when they saw their artwork. The quality of work is incredible and I bought several pieces for myself.”
Chair of Norwood’s Art Show Committee, Caroline Arnold, added: “The Art Show was born out of a desire to showcase the many talents of some of the residents of Norwood’s Ravenswood and London homes. Since the day we decided to do this, the commitment, excitement and hard work has been unbelievable and I know that everyone who has contributed is as proud as I am of how wonderful the event has been. For many whose art was exhibited, working and concentrating for any period of time is extremely difficult, so it is a tribute both to the artists and the staff who support them that we have been able to produce a show of such volume and high quality of work.”
