A BARNSLEY autism group has co-organised an upcoming exhibition with the Cooper Gallery.
The Action for Autism Barnsley group (AfAB) has co-curated "Four Seasons in One Day”.
This unique, free exhibition will open on Saturday and will run until Saturday April 19.
Action for Autism Barnsley created the concept for the exhibition, selected all the artworks and objects, and are contributing their own photographs, recipes and weather reports.
The exhibition will showcase a selection of artworks and objects from the esteemed collections of Barnsley Museums, including pieces from the Cooper Gallery, Cannon Hall Museum, and Experience Barnsley. Additionally, it will feature works by talented local artists, making it a diverse and rich display of artistic expression.
The artworks take visitors through spring, summer, autumn, and winter, plus each phase of a day from morning to night.
One of the features of the "Four Seasons in One Day" exhibition is the inclusion of sensory objects designed to engage visitors through touch and specially crafted scents. This approach allows guests to experience the beauty and essence of all four seasons in an interactive and memorable way.
Coun Robin Franklin, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, said: "We are thrilled to present this exhibition that not only showcases the incredible talent within our community but also provides an inclusive and engaging experience for all visitors."
"The involvement of the AfAB group has been instrumental in bringing a unique perspective to the curation, and we look forward to welcoming everyone to the Cooper Gallery."
Rhiannon, a curator from AfAB, said: “I have really enjoyed being part of this curating project. I felt valued and equal in the group and able to share my voice on the project.
“I think it's vital to include sensory elements into the gallery. It's great being able to see a pleasant scene, but to be able to use all five senses with the picture deepens the experience. Having sensory elements allows the wider population to experience the joy of art. By using all our senses deepens the experience for those with full senses and encourages those with sensory difficulties to experience the joy of art.”
Dean, another curator from AfAB, added: “It was positive and empowering to take part in a democratic process and see how effective it can be. We decided which works to include in the exhibition by taking photos of the ones we liked. This encouraged us to tolerate, respect and value other people’s choices and opinions.”
For more information about the "Four Seasons in One Day" exhibition, you can visit https://www.cooper-gallery.com/four_seasons.
