Artists from Endeavour Foundation's QArt studio proudly displayed their work at this year's CONNECTED Art Exhibition, drawing widespread praise from visitors to the Melbourne showcase.
Nine QArt Artists were finalists this year, including Ayaka Soga, Jordan Dymke and Tiffany McBroom. Established in 2003 by State Trustees, the exhibition gives emerging artists with a disability or an experience of mental illness an opportunity to display their talents, while celebrating art and culture's role in enriching lives and promoting social inclusion.
Jordan Dymke, from Mont Albert, relishes the opportunity to explore his abilities.
"I like working at QArt because I am allowed to experiment, to push the limits – like painting a nude. I like the human form, but I was surprised that a nude was chosen for the exhibition and I felt privileged that it was my piece!"
For Mount Waverley woman Tiffany McBroom, who was thrilled to be a part of the CONNECTED exhibition, any opportunity to paint birds and the patterns of a peacock are welcomed with open arms!
"It's a good place to work because they teach me and I can practice my drawings and then paint a canvas. I like to sell my work."
Ayaka Soga, from East Malvern, said that she was 'surprised' that her work was chosen for display.
"They are origami peace cranes, and I am Japanese, so there is a connection. Working at QArt is fun – I can try new things and get others' opinions and get experience."
Holly Walton (Kew), Kitty Yiu (Nunawading), Lisa Hine (Kew), Reeve King (Ringwood), Sarah Gibson (Blackburn) and Jarrod Wendt (Kew) were also selected to have their artwork displayed, with Jarrod receiving a Highly Commended Award from the judges for his piece 'Geisha'.
Q Art is a professionally operated studio where the artists are given support and artistic direction by qualified managers, who enable them to reach their full potential within the visual art and design field. A range of artwork is available to buy at either QArt Gallery, Kew Court House, 188 High Street, Kew VIC, or online at qart.endeavour.com.au .