'No Limits' to Disabled Artists' Creativity in New Three-in-One Exhibition

Participants in groups run by Open Arts will have a variety of works showcased at the Black Box as part of charity's 25th anniversary year

Embroidery, watercolour and action painting are just some of the techniques which will be on display in Three in One, the forthcoming exhibition by the Belfast-based arts and disability charity Open Arts which will take place at the Black Box for the month of June.

Three in One will feature artwork created by participants from the three weekly visual arts groups run by Open Arts, using a wide range of media and techniques including fabric manipulation, pastel, mixed media collage and stencilling.

Artists featured have worked both on individual pieces and group projects, with some work even produced by artists who are either blind or visually impaired.

Speaking ahead of the exhibition launch, Eileen Branagh, Chief Executive of Open Arts said: 'The exceptional work being produced by our visual arts participants simply must be seen to be believed. Our artists do not let their disabilities hold them back and this exhibition demonstrates that, given the right support and encouragement, there are no limits to their creativity.'

Lending a helping paw with 'Three in One', the Open Arts visual arts exhibition which runs at the Black Box for the month of June, is guide dog Tara

Based at the Crescent Arts Centre and celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, Open Arts runs a core programme of high quality drama, dance, music, writing and visual arts activity for hundreds of disabled adult participants from across Northern Ireland every month. The programme supports participants with a range of physical disabilities, learning disabilities, sensory impairments and mental health issues.

As part of its calendar of activity in 2017, Open Arts recently staged a special concert during the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival which saw the internationally acclaimed Open Arts Community Choir collaborate with Donal Scullion and the Spider Collective. The performance encompassed music across a wide array of styles, dating from the 14th century to present day.

Three in One will open at the Black Box on Hill Street as part of Late Night Art on Thursday June 1 at 5.30pm and will run until Saturday 1 July. Entrance to the exhibition is free and the venue opening hours are Wednesday – Friday, 10am – late, Saturday and Sunday 12pm - late.
 
For further information on the work of Open Arts and forthcoming events in its anniversary programme, visit www.openartsni.org or Open Arts on Facebook.

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