The ‘Vigor’ Art Exhibition, which runs 13-25 November, will include over 40 artworks by 25 artists who have created an exciting and salient body of work that overshadows the challenges associated with physical disability. 

The exhibition is aptly named ‘Vigor’ which highlights the energy, strength and vitality that each artist has invested into the creation of their artwork. 

Visitors to the exhibition can expect to see a diverse range of subject matter including a portrait of Kylie Minogue sporting a moustache and spectacles to dramatic abstract representations of Super Cars.  

Artists have mastered innovative techniques to create the artworks which include using long bamboo-handled paint brushes, overhead projectors, large paper stencils and soft foam print blocks. For example 63 year old artist Robert Gallagher uses a traditional paint brush attached to a length of bamboo which allows him to easily reach the canvas from his wheelchair to create his artistic vision. 

The artists’ talents have been developed and refined through the support of Cascade Services, which is a division of the CPL that offers meaningful programs designed to explore the individual interests of people with physical disability living in Redcliffe and surrounds. 

All artworks featured in the Vigor exhibition will be for sale, with funds going back to support visual artists and textile programs at Cascade Services. 

“For the first time the annual exhibition will be hosted outside of Redcliffe giving Brisbane art lovers an opportunity to appreciate these inspirational artworks,” said Mr Dillon Carlsson, Cascade Services Manager. 

“The goal of this exhibition is for people to see beyond the disability and recognise these artists for their ability and creativity. 

“The pieces on show are outstanding and represent an accumulation of almost a year’s worth of work.  Seeing our clients grow as artists bringing canvases to life autonomously has been a truly heart-warming experience and we’re proud to be able to share their works with the wider community,” he said. 

CPL helps brings hope, joy and opportunity to thousands of people with disability across Queensland through various programs such as Cascade Services’ visual arts and textile programs.