We recently had the pleasure of interviewing Kirsten, a long-time volunteer with Outward, who played a pivotal role in bringing an inspiring art exhibition to life at Chingford. The exhibition showcased a stunning array of artwork created by Kirsten and a talented group of people we support at Outward.
Kirsten has been a cherished member of the Outward community for about three years. With her background as an artist and an experienced art workshop facilitator for adults with learning disabilities, Kirsten has always believed in the importance of giving artists a platform to display their work. When she learnt about the availability of a free exhibition space from the council, she seized the opportunity without hesitation.
The journey from concept to execution of the exhibition took about eight months. Despite her full-time job, Kirsten managed to fit in a few hours here and there to bring the exhibition together, a process she thoroughly enjoyed.
For her, the highlight of the whole exhibition was the ‘Meet the Artists Sunday’, where the art group proudly displayed their work. The event was attended by staff members from Outward, Kirsten’s family, and friends, resulting in a fantastic turnout. The atmosphere was filled with pride, as many pieces were sold and attendees expressed their admiration for the exhibition.
The impact of the exhibition has been profound, empowering participants by providing them with a platform to express themselves creatively and share their unique perspectives with a broader audience. Kirsten shared that many of the people we support proudly mentioned the exhibition to their carers and family members.
Looking ahead, Kirsten plans to organise another exhibition next year, featuring artists from Waltham Forest alongside Outward’s talented participants.