Guests viewing the exhibition.

Exhibition gives a voice to children with disabilities

An exhibition celebrating art as a mode of expression for children with disabilities was recently opened at the Strathfield Campus (Mount Saint Mary) Art Gallery.

The exhibition, Fusion, was a collaborative project between St Lucy’s School for children with disabilities and Strathfield’s Santa Sabina College (Santa Maria Del Monte).

The exhibition was officially opened by Prioress of the Dominican Sisters of Eastern Australia and the Solomon Islands, Sister Rosemary Lewins.

ABC Radio sports commentator and former Santa Sabina student, Simone Thurtell, was the evening’s Master of Ceremonies.

Artist in residence at St Lucy’s School, Karen Atkins, said the opportunity for the students to create and exhibit their creative works has a lasting impact on their self esteem.

“The more the students’ senses are involved, the better they learn,” said Ms Atkins.

“We use lots of music and broad gestures to discover the joy of colour and brushstroke, and the confidence they gain they apply to everyday life,” she said.

The children’s works have already been showcased in galleries in Dubai, Parliament House and Chifley Tower.

A number of the works on exhibition are available for purchase. The exhibition closes tonight.