High praise for artists with intellectual disabilities

White Gum Valley’s Paul Mitchell, Fremantle’s Joshua Bott and Beaconsfield’s Susan Beardsmore were among 11 artists recognised with a judge’s high commendation at the 2015 As We Are Art Awards.

Event co-ordinator Susan Waller said the event was an opportunity for WA artists with an intellectual disability to create, exhibit and sell their artwork.

“For some this is the first time they have done this, so it is very exciting if not a little nerve-racking, and for others the award has been a great platform to having solo exhibitions and furthering their artistic career,” she said.

“The artworks are so varied both in terms of art form as well as themes, which range from local flora and fauna, landscapes both terrestrial and marine, Aboriginal culture, love and relationships to personal experiences of life with a disability.”