General News
7 February, 2022
Horsham’s all-abilities artists debut work
JRS Workshop are looking forward to hosting the first of many art exhibition shows.
HORSHAM’S artists with disabilities will now have a platform for their artwork with JRS Workshop launching their first art exhibition show.
Previously a part of Beyond Community Inclusion, JRS Workshop is an art-focused group dedicated to the upskilling of Horsham’s disabled community members.
The exhibition’s first featured artist, Louise Schutz said the workshop, located at 20 Firebrace Street, was a great way for her to finally showcase her work.
“I’m hoping people will get to see the different array of art that I’ve done,” she said.
“I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1998. It’s not something that I chose to get.
“Since my diagnosis, I have discovered a new ability for art. It came very naturally to me.
“I’ve been wanting to do an exhibition with my art but I didn’t know how or who to contact. As soon as I contacted (JRS Workshop manager) Shaine she was very welcoming and told me to come straight down to the shop.”
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The first exhibition is to be held on February 11 at 6pm at the workshop.
Ms Hobbs said the workshop will look to continue hosting art shows throughout the year.
“We’ve been here for close to a year now. We decided to have an exhibition every month to showcase everyone’s ability, their work, and what they like to do,” she said.
“There will be a selected artist to be the main feature for each exhibition. This month is Louise. Next month will be a nine-year-old boy called Seth who has cerebral palsy.
“At JRS Workshop it’s about what our artists want to learn. I try to make that come true for them. We find the right people to help them out and go from there.
“In the end, it’s about them.”
A past-time antique restorer, upholsterer, French polisher and leadlighter by trade, Ms Hobbs said many of the art pieces shown will be made from recycled, reused and refurbished materials.
Ms Schutz said Ms Hobbs’ support has made a huge impact on her work.
“I’ve been coming to Shaine’s workshop for 6 months now,” she said.
“I used to work on my art at home with my workers, but coming here is so much better. Shaine has a wide range of equipment and materials.
“Shaine’s been excellent. She helps us through anything whether it be mosaic or macrame.
“She lets us sell our art and doesn’t take any commission or anything which is nice. Not a lot of people do that.”
Ms Hobbs said the workshop will be taking part in the Natimuk Agricultural Show next month and is looking to partner with more community groups.
“We’ll be working with organisations like the Natimuk Show. They’ve dedicated three sections for us; a mosaic section, a LED lighting section, and a terrarium section,” she said.
“Our aim at the moment is to open our doors to the wider community.”