Works by disabled artists focus on wellbeing

A summer exhibition by disabled artists is opening in Margate later, with a focus on wellbeing, care and colour.

The artists created the work at Sandra Art4All Studio, which is celebrating 10 years of making art accessible to disabled people with additional impairments and learning needs.

Sandra Hayden, who runs the studio in the Kent town, said the supportive space had served for the past decade as "a vibrant space where artistic expression knows no bounds".

A launch event is taking place later for the Proud 2 Create exhibition, which runs at The Margate School in The Old Woolworths Building until 29 August. The event includes work by deaf, autistic and neurodivergent artists.

Hayden said the studio's exhibitions over several years had shown the positive impact of its work and she hoped people would come and see the show.

"Stepping into a gallery that is full of colour like ours and walking around the exhibition provides a gentle, mindful physical activity that can lower stress, encourage presence and boost a person's day."

She said the "simple act of viewing" allowed people to slow down, reflect and find a sense of calm away from busy, daily lives.

Hayden, an art teacher, set up the studio after she was made redundant following the closure of the Royal School for Deaf Children in Margate.

The studio works to enable the artists to create their work as independently as possible.

Celebrations to mark the studio's 10th anniversary have included two summer exhibitions.

Work went on show at the Pie Factory Margate in July, and the exhibition at the Margate School of Art features 170 pieces of "vibrant art" created this year.

Artists taking part include Celia Balfour, Nessie Bigg, Katie Byrne, Allegra Dams, Bethany Davies, Olivia Joslin, Dalibor Kovac-Stokes, Alex Mortimer, Jessica Park, Harriet Steddy, Gareth Tudor and Sandra Hayden.

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