Right Side Up was contracted to provide art therapy and creative coaching sessions with young adults in East Gippsland who may be characterised by a range of social dysfunctions including: marginalisation from the community, low self esteem, bullying (both bullies and victims), unstable home environment, poverty, poor literacy and numeracy skills, substance abuse, cultural and racial intolerance, self harm and, a juvenile justice history to name a few.
Based on the initial brief to create an exhibition using recycled materials, RSU built on the concept of using recycled car parts to create art. The project started with a trip to the scrap metal yard and car wreckers. The aim was to encourage them to think outside the square. Exercise their creativity and gather bits and pieces of cars with from which they would create art.
The results of this project were exhibited in the
East Gippsland Art Gallery, July 18-29, 2008. Artist profiles and their story or symbolic reference to cars are displayed alongside their artwork.
Mayor of East Gippsland Shire, Mendy Urie, officially opened the exhibition. She expressed satisfaction at witnessing the stories these young adults shared in their profiles and artwork. "It's a wonderful opportunity to give these young people a voice," she said. "We can learn more about our community by listening to a variety of stories. And I encourage any initiative that gives voice to those who are not always heard."
A popular choice of creation was hubcap art.
The circular theme continued . . .
Some chose larger canvases for their creations:
