Joining a community art group for the disabled was an emotional rollercoaster for Belinda Cini.
Alongside the various feelings associated with her debut exhibition, Art and About also helped Belinda understand various everyday emotions.
Belinda was initially “nervous” about creating her artworks for the “challenging” exhibition, she explained.
But this week, eight months later, she was looking forward to the exhibition’s opening next weekend.
“I’m excited and nervous,” the 32-year-old said.
“I hope people like our work.”
Belinda and five other members of Art and About will feature in Emotions Unmasked at Anglesea’s Surf Coast Art Space from 20 to 30 October.
The members’ work for the exhibition covers a variety of disciplines from self-portraits to collages, paper mache and mosaics.
The artists are part of All Aboard, a Surf Coast group offering the disabled opportunities to develop new skills and connect with their community.
All Aboard conducts various activities on the Surf Coast, including weekend social outings.
A small group of parents with a “shared a vision” of providing local disabled people with community-based activities founded All Aboard, a spokesperson said.
The group had been successful garnering the support of council and the community.
“Surf Coast Shire council contributed funds to assist with the group’s promotion and marketing, and to purchase material to establish programs. Community members have donated art supplies and volunteered their time and expertise to teach the Art and About participants,” the spokesperson said.
