THE exhibition, with the theme of ‘Objects of Wonder’ will run from 9 June to 25 June at the Limerick City Gallery. It will be facilitated by Limerick artist, Chelsea Canavan.
The exhibition was announced by Helium Arts, an award-winning children’s arts and health charity that empowers children with health conditions through their creativity and art. Children aged 9-12 years old from Helium Arts will get to show off their artwork at the exhibition.
There will also be a ‘family sharing day’ on Saturday, 18 June. There will be many family friendly activities for all to take part in on that day, including creative clay work, animations, stencil making and much more. All exhibitions and events are open to the public and are free of charge.
Commenting, Heléne Hugel, CEO of Helium Arts, said: “In Ireland, 11% of children live with a long-term health condition or disability and approximately 1% of all children – about 13,000 children – are seriously inhibited in their day-to-day lives. This can lead to significant social and emotional challenges for them.
“At Helium, we work with young people in healthcare and community settings to offer them art and other creative experiences with a view to improving their wellbeing and mental health. We are delighted to be launching a series of summer exhibitions today, which will celebrate the creative work of the children and artists involved while also highlighting the value of creativity for wellbeing.”
Helium Arts was established in 2010 and has worked with over 5,000 young people across Ireland. Their work has had a huge impact on young people who have medical conditions. Regina Sheehan from Limerick city, parent of Tiernan, 12, who has phenylketonuria, hypothyroidism, hypermobility and deuteranopia, commented on the impact Helium Arts had on her son.
“The impact Helium Arts has had on my child’s life has been immeasurable,” she said. “Art and creativity have brought positivity into Tiernan’s life during times when he was really struggling with his healthcare issues.
Tiernan is now so excited to know that some of his artworks will be exhibited by Helium this summer. It is providing him with a real boost during what has been a particularly challenging period.”
Watch Helium’s Creative Health Hubs video below.
