ChopArts has found a new platform to exhibit its glass art.
Work created through the Northallerton based project is to be exhibited at The Station in Richmond – with members of the public invited to add their own splash of colour to a large glass panel at two special workshops.
ChopArts is run by Chopsticks, a non profit organization and community business that provides supported work for people with learning disabilities. It was developed after Northallerton Glass offered the charity glass and mirror off cuts that would otherwise go to landfill or be recycled.
Realising that this could become a new income stream, the charity brought in another charity – Claro Enterprises of Harrogate – and Ruth’s Arty Experience of Northallerton to work with its clients on creating new glass art for sale.
“The benefits that our clients are getting from ChopArts are many and varied,” said Charity Administrator and Development Manager, Phil Bramhall.
“Increased self confidence, improved wellbeing, new skills and new friendships are just a few of them,” said Ruth Hawkes, artist who has been facilitating the art workshops.
“And not only are we providing a new work activity but we have the potential for a new income stream to support the long term sustainability of the charity.
“Each piece has been created by one of our clients – and each is individual, just like them,”
ChopArts at the Station is open from February 9 to 21 with the two workshops on February 15 and 22 when clients will be demonstrating how they create their glass art.