Project Ability Presents ‘Young Talent 2006'

An exhibition by young artists with disabilities from across Glasgow

Painting by Rachel Hook

Since 1984, Project Ability has been opening up the visual arts for people who have difficulty attending mainstream activities. The organisation runs art workshops and a vibrant exhibition programme from their studios and gallery in Glasgow's Merchant City. Young Talent is Project Ability's annual showcase of artwork by young people from Glasgow.

This year's eagerly awaited Young Talent exhibition features paintings, ceramics, textiles and animation created by around 50 young people with learning or developmental disabilities. The young people, who range in age from six to twenty five years old, have taken part in different projects – some held at Project Ability's studios and others held in various schools and community centres throughout Glasgow. [i]

Some of the exhibiting artists are already quite experienced in the dealings of the art world! Pauline Jackson (18) from Clarkston, Rachel Hook (19) from Jordanhill, Michael Earll (16) from Robroyston and Jonathan Beatts (20) from Barrhead have been attending Project Ability's Art Classes for young people with autism for a number of years. They have all previously shown their work in Project Ability exhibitions at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Scotland Street School Museum. Last year both Pauline and Jonathan sold paintings at the Glasgow Art Fair and they are hoping to repeat that success at the Art Fair again this April. On being asked what it feels like to have their work exhibited as part of the Young Talent show, Pauline said, “It's great!” Jonathan added, “It's good – very good” and Michael summed it up by saying,” It feels brilliant to have my work on show and to see people enjoying it.”

Meanwhile, for other Young Talent artists, this is first time that they have had their work exhibited in a public gallery. Project Ability Art Tutor Iona Gray has been running workshops for children at the Cranhill Beacon in Easterhouse, and at the Keppoch Campus in Possil. She commented, “ For some of the children, this is the only out-of-school activity that they have - they call it their ‘Art Club'. They are all very committed and everybody helps one another. Many of the children have never been to an art gallery so it was difficult trying to explain to them that we wanted to hang their work on a wall! Most of them just loved being able to take their artwork home with them at the end of the class to show their families. However, now that they understand a bit more about the exhibition they are focusing on finishing their pieces…. and they are all getting very excited about seeing their work go on display in the gallery.” James McAveety (9) who attends the Cranhill workshops said, “When I come to Project Ability it cheers me up. If I am allowed to sell my painting I will be rich!”

Preview: Saturday 25 March 2006, 4- 5.30 pm

Exhibition runs: 27 March – 12 May 2006. Gallery open Mon – Fri, 10am – 5pm

Venue: Project Ability, Gallery 1, 18 Albion Street, Glasgow, G1 1LH

For further information or images contact:

Kirstin Bannerman

Notes for editor:

[i] (Schools involved in the project were: Ruchill Primary School Communication Disorder Unit and Carlibar Communication Centre in Barrhead. Community Centres involved were The Cranhill Beacon in Easterhouse, and the Keppoch Campus in Possil).

Project Ability is supported by: Glasgow City Council, The Scottish Arts Council, The Scottish Arts Council National Lottery and Greater Glasgow NHS Trust. Funding for the Children's programme comes from The Foyle Foundation, The Garfield Weston Foundation, the Three Guineas Trust and the Glasgow Local Action Fund.

Project Ability's Annual Exhibition Programme is sponsored by: Britannic Asset Management