By Bonny Burrows
Francis Rebeira may be non-verbal, but it’s not hard to see the joy he gets from art.
The Pakenham Scope participant is just one of many people with a disability whose artwork is now on display at the Cardinia Cultural Centre.
A Picture for Your Thoughts showcases the works of the support service’s South Division’s arts program participants, which come from across Melbourne’s southern suburbs and Gippsland.
For many, it was the first time they had showcased their work to an audience, which included Cardinia Shire councillors and community members.
Scope CEO Jennifer Fitzgerald said for others, it was the first time they had found a voice.
“It’s an opportunity for our participants to expresses themselves in a new way and be creative,” Dr Fitzgerald said.
“It also creates a conversation. All art creates a conversation and a connection.”
While Francis was unable to talk about his work, his artist profile describes him as “an adventurous, artistic and enthusiastic artist who likes to explore different mediums of texture to create and bring out his artistic flare”.
“Francis, especially, enjoys using markers and chalk,” the summary reads.
The pieces of art, in various forms using different methods, were created by the art students over the past year.
They will be on display to the public until 27 October.
