A young person from the Linden Brook short stay respite centre is celebrating after the centre organised for his artwork to go on show in Sowerby Bridge.
17 year old Ashley Challoner has been visiting Linden Brook for three years. The Council- run centre offers short stays for disabled children, giving parents and carers the opportunity to rest, assured that their child is in a safe and secure environment. During his time at Linden Brook, Ashley has been encouraged to develop his creativity and artistic flair, and staff have watched him grow in confidence.
Ashley has already undertaken a number of art projects at the centre, including contributing to a project where the back fence was painted using images that he had designed of animals. These pictures, which Ashley went on to paint on the fence, now act as a visual reminder to him to celebrate his abilities as a young artist.
To help encourage Ashley’s talent, the centre has now organised for his work to be displayed at a café in Sowerby Bridge. The exhibition has been running since the start of March, and Ashley has received some great feedback and has even sold one of his paintings.
Ashley said of the exhibition:
“I have always been interested in art since a young age, although none of my family is artistic. I am encouraged to express myself through drawing and painting, I’ve had the chance to try different medias and research many artists. I’m very much inspired by Bridget Reilly, although I have discovered my own style.
“I can express myself through my paintings, I see this as a celebration, as I struggle with certain situations I have full control of my art work, and get to express myself with amazing outcomes.”
Calderdale Council’s Director of Children and Young People’s Services, Stuart Smith, said:
“Linden Brook is a great facility, and one of a number of centres in Calderdale providing a fantastic service for disabled children and their families. The centre has really helped Ashley to develop his talent and I know that staff at Linden Brook are really proud of his achievements.
“The centre is moving from strength to strength. All staff are committed to supporting and developing those who attend the centre, and Ashley’s exhibition is just one example of the good work the centre does to help disabled young people reach their potential.”
The exhibition is still on display at the Cupcakes Coffee Shop on West Street in Sowerby Bridge.