Diverse Abilities host exhibition at Upton Country Park

Dorset’s disability charity, Diverse Abilities, is hosting an exhibition of contemporary art at Upton Country Park this month. The exhibition will feature works by local artists Lonti and Adam Frederickson.

Taking place in The Gallery Upstairs at Upton Country Park, Poole, the free exhibition runs from Thursday, August 19, through to Monday, August 23, and is open 10am until 5pm each day.

The Gallery Upstairs is a non-commercial exhibition space, run on a voluntary basis by Poole & East Dorset Art Society (PEDAS); the gallery shows work by local professional and non-professional artists including art societies, local education classes and community groups. Most of the works exhibited are for sale.

Lonti, one of the artists exhibiting, said: “I started abstract painting after my father passed away in 2019. I was so traumatised that I had to go to a mental health day hospital. We had 2 art classes in the time that I was there, and I got such excellent feedback that I started to paint at home. I only use acrylic paint and canvases. I wanted my art to evoke happiness and positivity with all of the bright colours that I use. This is because I have suffered with severe depression, anxiety, OCD and an eating disorder for most of my life. Every day I just keep praying that it will get better.”

There is no need to book to visit the exhibition, and disabled access to the exhibition is offered via a lift in the Tea Rooms.

Karen Hay, events manager at Diverse Abilities, commented: “We’re really thrilled to be working with the team at Upton Country Park to bring this exhibition to life. Both artists have been so supportive of the charity over the past year, and this is your opportunity to purchase some of the works that are available. All proceeds from sales will be split between the artists and Diverse Abilities.”

Adam Frederickson will be exhibiting works from his ‘Abstractionista’ section. His works differ in terms of technique, style, and medium but the ideas of abstract and early modernist art, existential theory, and recycling are present throughout his work.

Adam added: “I was aware through a friend of the excellent work Diverse Abilities does in the local area. So, when I was approached to participate in this fundraising exhibition for the charity, I was delighted to accept. All the more so in these unprecedented times when, like so many other organisations, the charity is having to adapt rapidly to continue to serve its community. Here’s to a successful exhibition in a beautiful venue!”

Visit diverseabilities.org.uk/events for further details.