Autism Art Club Exhibition

Wednesday 2nd and Thursday 3rd July saw an exciting and innovative exhibition at Bishop Grosseteste University, showcasing work created by the newly formed Lincoln Autism Art Club.

The club meets in the Art Studio on campus, facilitated by local artist John Rimmer, and is a welcoming and creative environment for all members of the autism community – autistic people, family members, friends and allies.

John said: “The club is an inclusive place where autistic people come together to be supported to explore their creativity in a space where being different and exploring new ideas is encouraged, supported and enjoyed”.

Laura Garner, the Exhibitions and Interpretations Assistant at Lincoln’s Usher Gallery said: “The exhibition is exciting, hopeful vibrant. It is really beautiful to have a dedicated space for autistic people to feel safe and to make art together.” 

The Usher’s Learning and Participant Officer, Rachel Olin, added: “The high standard [of the art] astonished me. I see this work as not being out of place in an established gallery. It has such integrity and authenticity.”

One of the club’s artists, Owain, described the exhibition: “It is a wonderful display of art [showing] growth and the freedom to express yourself, even if this is something you might otherwise struggle with”. He believes it showcases an “autistic view of the world”, able to capture some of the sensory variation that the club members experience.

Owain asks: “Do we all see things the same way? For me, seeing something when there are loud sounds going off changes what it looks like.” He confirmed how highly he values the club, adding that he particularly welcomes being able to “be ourselves in an open, free space where no-one has to pretend”.

The exhibition moves to the Mint Lane Community gallery space from 4th to 17th July, and the club reconvenes from October. 

For further information please contact John by emailing john.rimmer@bishopg.ac.uk