An exhibition that supports the development of a positive and participatory cultural identity for people with profound and complex disabilities will open May 1 at Coalface Art Gallery.
Reasonable & Necessary: prints and artist books by Artel Artists is the first-ever touring exhibition of artworks created by CPL's (Choice, Passion, Life) Artel artists.
Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker said this inspiring touring exhibition showcases the work of 33 professional artists, some of whom possess complex and profound disabilities.
"We're proud to bring this to our region continuing Council's commitment to engage regional participants in arts and cultural experiences," Mayor Baker said.
Artel artist Nathan Langdown said the Isaac region is going to get a big surprise.
"Your eyes will be opened. The tour will be a good tool for teaching people who don't understand what I can do with my disability," Mr Langdown said.
CPL CEO Rhys Kennedy said what the Artel artists achieve is remarkable.
"We are thrilled to be partnering with Museums & Galleries Queensland to share their work with regional Queenslanders," Mr Kennedy said.
Museums & Galleries Queensland's Executive Director Rebekah Butler said this exhibition tour will provide valuable professional development and profile-raising opportunities for the artists involved.
"It will also benefit regional communities in the Isaac region, who will have opportunities to learn about the support methods, studio practices and adapted tools, unique to the Artel studio," Ms Butler said.
Museums & Galleries Queensland has been pleased to work with accomplished curator Lynne Seear in the development of this exhibition.
Lynne has worked as a senior curator for 30 years, including 16 years at the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art in management roles.
For the past six years, she has worked on a multifaceted Arts Program for the Queensland Children's Hospital and Children's Health Queensland, as Manager Arts-In-Health.
Artel, CPL's creative industries studio, supports the development of a positive and participatory cultural identity for people with profound and complex disabilities. The studio offers space, instruction and an environment in which this community of individuals has been able, over many years, to express themselves as a dynamic artistic movement. The artists taking part are: Christine Baillie, Jonathon Baldwin, Jacob Bradshaw, James Clark, Kristi Cochrane, Bevon Diver, Michael Doust, Cara Dunstan, Jennifer Duperouzel, Robert Gallagher, Anne Higginson, Tonia Hoffman, William Hunt, Nathan Langdown, Justin Lavender, Reece Lockrey, Kim Marshall, Liam McMahon, Robert Oakman, Jeff Parkinson, Christopher Paul, Peter Phillips, Christopher Pitot, Jeremy Ruckels, Elizabeth Saunders, Vanessa Spagna, Beverley Stack, Scott Stanton, Daniel Swart, Christine Tweedale, Richard Uil, Genice Wolski and Sara Wyatt.
Redcliffe filmmaker and CPL support worker, Jeremy Ruckels has created an insightful documentary about Artel, which will be screened as part of the touring exhibition. A preview of the film can be viewed at https://youtu.be/zF7p5KBsCtA.
The exhibition is on at Coalface Art Gallery from May 1 to June 21. For more details on upcoming events and what's happening at Isaac Libraries visit www.isaac.qld.gov.au or call Council's 24/7 Customer Service Centre 1300 ISAACS (1300 472 227).
