Art exhibition for CHAS

May 11 2010 by Alison Anderson, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

ARTWORK by children with life-limiting conditions and their siblings who use Rachel House Children’s Hospice in Kinross, run by the Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS), is on show to the public at a special exhibition in aid of the children’s charity.

The free exhibition ‘Colours of Rachel House’ runs until Friday, June 11, at The Gallery, Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh.

Alongside the 14 artworks by the children from Rachel House, aged between 20 months and 21 years, are paintings by artist Julie Robertson, from Barnton, who volunteers at the hospice and will donate 50% of her artwork sales to CHAS.

The exhibition has been organised by Julie and The Accessible Art Company a visual arts organisation founded by Gordon Duncan who is passionate about promoting emerging artists and working with people with disabilities. Support has also been provided for the event by Hangar Framing, East Lothian Council and Brunton Theatre who have given free tickets to this year’s pantomime to all children exhibiting their artwork in the theatre.

Gordon said: “Working in partnership we can provide a unique springboard for artists who would not normally have the opportunity to display and present at exhibitions.”

Artist Julie commented: “I feel very privileged to be involved with the inspiring work at Rachel House. Although the children and young people may have different physical abilities, by using handprints, footprints or the wheels of a wheelchair we can create some fantastic art which is great fun to make and a precious memento for families.”

Jayne Forbes, CHAS fundraiser, said: “It’s very exciting that anyone can come along to see the exhibition. Paintings by the children can also be purchased in return for a donation to CHAS.”