A Surrey-based charity, The Artventure Trust, is marking its 40th anniversary with a silent auction featuring 40 hand-picked artworks created by its participants.
The charity provides art workshops for 55 adults with learning disabilities each week at its studios in Merrow and Bramley.
Manager Mariann Kehrling described the artworks as “especially hand-picked for this occasion,” expressing confidence that “everybody can find something they will like.”
The art sessions provide participants, including non-verbal individuals, a means of creative expression.
“It’s the nicest thing to see them lost in art,” Kehrling shared. “The other brilliant thing is seeing them find their own voice through this.”
Artist Nico Attallah hopes his work finds a new home through the auction.
“I will even amaze myself,” he said, adding that art helps him feel free and unjudged.
Fellow participant Pippa Mathers echoed this sentiment, saying, “It’s quite freeing. You can come up with whatever you feel like.”
The charity’s impact extends beyond the studio.
Trustee Sue Cundell noted that Artventure participants’ work has been displayed at venues across Surrey, including Guildford Railway Station and the Electric Theatre.
“Seeing their work framed and displayed boosts their confidence,” she explained.
The silent auction runs until Saturday, December 1, with Christmas cards also available for purchase on the Artventure Trust website.
The proceeds will support the charity’s ongoing mission to empower its artists through creativity.
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