Art for all on show

LAUNCHED in Bendigo on Monday for the first time, there’s still a short window to catch the Kaleidoscope art exhibition before it heads to Melbourne.

The display is made up of works by about 30 artists who receive assistance through local disability support services organisation Scope.

Artist Tayla Justice said she enjoys doing art and sport and was pleased it seemed very “professional” to have her work on show for friends, family, and the public.

“This is my first year,” said Ms Justice. “I used to do art in school. I was a bit excited when I walked in, I was happy.

“I like to make sculptures, I like to choose colours, purples, and pinks. The painting is of a road trip.”

Scope has groups across Victoria and New South Wales and has been running Kaleidoscope annually for several years in metro Melbourne but the current exhibition is the first time it’s been held regionally.

“We’re trying to get more interest in Bendigo to show what we actually do here,” said direct support worker and the group’s art teacher Lisa Naughton.

“It’s a chance to get individuals to showcase their work and present what they do and how they’re involved in the community.

“It’s all about experimental things with different textures and tactile stuff. Some people just really enjoy the process of being in the group and being part of the art program.

“They get a reward out of it, and generally to take their art home, that’s pretty special for anybody to be able to show off what they’ve made.

“It’s just a creative space where we use anything and anything’s possible.”

Coordinator, Kylie Rowe, said it was also an opportunity for the local Scope community who don’t see each other much to reconnect and celebrate their work along with their families.

“Another parent came in and was actually a bit overwhelmed because her son’s artwork was there for the first time and she was quite surprised at how talented and amazing he is,” said Ms Rowe.

“It’s just so exciting to see them with their artworks, showing it to other people. It gives them an opportunity to showcase their art like other artists do at Dudley House or the Art Gallery.”

Artists could also choose to put their work up for sale, and one of Ms Justice’s pieces was sold on opening night.

Kaleidoscope will be on Scope Kangaroo Flat until 4pm this Friday and will re-open in Hawthorn on Thursday 24 August through Tuesday 29 August at Hawthorn Arts Centre.