Henny Beaumont is providing a platform for young people who feel marginalised, with London's Invisible People Art Trail.
Henny, who is currently Artist in residence for the British Institute for Learning Disabilities and Respond UK, has four children, including Beth, 21 who has Down's Syndrome.
The Art Trail, which takes place July 2-10 in Stoke Newington, will see work by people who feel marginalised displayed in shop and restaurant windows. The project is being run in partnership with Kate Revere of social enterprise Revere the Residence, where Henny’s daughter Beth works in the holidays. Kate’s daughter Piper is deaf and autistic.
Henny said: “Kate and I bonded over a sense that we both feel our daughters are a bit invisible. There is a sense that they are not part of the community, friendships are very difficult and isolation is a real problem.
“Beth draws all the time - she does beautiful drawings. She completely has her own style. She draws directly from her imagination - she draws family and friends and she’s obsessed by flowers and butterflies but does it in her own way.
“It has been very difficult to get people involved, onboard, feeling responsible and understanding of what she has to offer and how valuable, what a lovey funny, warm brilliant person she is. It’s very difficult because people just see the disability first of all and don’t take on board all the other wonderful characteristics.
“Piper comes round and draws with me and she does amazing drawings – she has lots of work in the show.”
Just 5% of adults with learning disabilities are employed.
Henny added: “It’s outrageously low. Beth’s college has a 65% rate of employment after college - it shows what can be done. We’re trying to do something to help people make some money and be recognised.
“As a mother of someone with a learning disability and Down’s Syndrome it really important that people see and recognise my daughter and her abilities – like any other mum you want that.”
Revere the Residence is a social enterprise offering employment and work experience to young disabled people or those with additional needs or their parents.
Many aspiring artists who feel marginalised have submitted art for the exhibition and visitors will be able to purchase the work, with. all proceeds going to the artists..