Vulnerable artists reach out at gallery

(CNS): The National Gallery is currently exhibiting the work of its outreach artists. The ‘From Within VI’ official opening was delayed due to untimely arrival of Hurricane Gustav  but the National Gallery marked the exhibition with an open night last Thursday 4 September. An annual sale and exhibition ‘From Within reflects the diverse creativity of some of the most vulnerable members of our community. (Left work by students from Bonaventure Home)

Exhibitors include inmates from HMP Northward and Fairbanks, young offenders from Eagle House, rehabilitating patients from Caribbean Haven and the at risk youngsters from the Bonaventure and Francis Bodden Homes. It also shows work from other community specialist groups such as the art magnet a youth art group and art sisters a women only group among others.

The Gallery’s Outreach not for profit programmes take place in the community and encourages people from all walks of life to focus their energies into productive activities and promote artistic and creative growth in all parts of the community.  Most of the exhibitors meet once each week on one of a number of the educational projects. Throughout the year using skills taught and encouraged by their specific instructors the artists experiment with different material and mediums as they hone their skills.

The end result the gallery says is that regardless of the project the common thread is that participants eventually find their creativity and inspiration from within.