22.11.04

I was invited to attend a viewing of “Elemental” at the National Museum of Wales.  This is the second exhibition of its kind, following the first successful exhibition entitled, “Nature Unplugged”. 

 

Elemental is an exhibition of paintings which have been inspired by the mysterious forces of nature.  All paintings have been painted by adults with learning difficulties.  The quality of the artwork was breathtaking, and the paintings would not look out of place in art galleries up and down the length and breath of the Country. 

 

The art students have been given the opportunity to paint at an art group project which is run from the Market Road Day Centre.  The Arts Council for Wales have kindly given a grant in order for this work to continue.  The funding has enabled the Council to set up an art studio called the Artery.

 

The National Museum has generously provided wall space for some 20 paintings, which are all beautifully framed.  They are all available for purchase, and a proportion of the monies collected will go straight back to the artists themselves.  The rest of the money will be used to cover the cost of the frames, with a small donation given back to Market Road to start the project again for the next cohort of students. 

 

I met and spoke with many of the artists and discussed their work.  The pride on the faces of them, and of their families was tremendous.  I also spoke to some of the staff who were involved with the project.  The watchful eye of the staff supporting and encouraging the artists has been tremendous which helped to develop their talents.  Sincere thanks and appreciation must be extended to everyone involved in making this exhibition such a success.

 

The exhibition is running from 16^th November 2004 – 5^th January 2005 at the National Museum of Wales, Park Place, Cardiff.  Well worth a view.

 

For more information, please contact me on Tel 029 2062 7757 / 0797001 3332 or jcowan@cardiff.gov.uk / www.jaynecowan.com