genU exhibition hailed a success

GENU is celebrating the success of its artX Regional 2025 exhibition as it attracted a record number of submissions and a constant stream of visitors.

Launching at the Eastern Hub Community Centre in April, the exhibition featured artworks from people over the age of 16 living with a disability or history of mental illness.

The organisation has labelled the exhibition as one of its most successful in its 17-year history, selling more than $3000 of artworks.

genU chief executive officer Clare Amies said record submissions and opening up entries to more than one piece of work per artist contributed to the success.

“The sales paint a clear picture of how genuinely appreciative the local community is about the standard of work our artists with disability have produced from across the region,” Ms Amies said.

“Making a sale not only supports an artist financially but also validates their talents and efforts. At genU we jointly celebrate every sale, with the enthusiasm from each artwork being sold spreading throughout our community.”

Support for the exhibition meant 22 artists gained a financial benefit from their submissions, including Rebecca Baker and Helen Heathcote.

A regular at the community art group, Rebecca sold both of her submissions – sculptures of Garfield and Paw Patrol character Rex.

Helen also sold a sculpture of a brightly coloured cat, saying it was a good feeling to be acknowledged for her work. “I love drawing and making patterns of things in a drawing,” she said.

The winners of the exhibition were announced at opening night, with Aaron Deans named the 2025 Trophy winner for his work Power House.

Christian Den Besten was awarded runner-up, Ella Dalli named Highly Commended and Mason Laurence was chosen as the inaugural winner of the High Achievement Award.