STRANORLAR based artist Aileen Kelly is producing a calendar to raise funds for The Bluestack Special Needs Foundation, a charity that is close to her heart. Aileen herself has learning difficulties and art has been a way for her to express herself. 

 

She predominately captures landscapes and sea portraits through oils and she is inspired by the beauty of the area. 

The calendar is called ‘Art with Heart – No limits, let your imagination and creativity soar!’ which aims to show that having a disability doesn’t have to hold you back. Aileen has dyslexia and dyspraxia and while she struggles to express herself through words art has given her an outlet. 

 

Aileen said: “At school I had difficulties learning, I used painting and creativity as a tool to express myself. Art is something that is universally understood. It is accessible to everybody regardless. I really want to encourage others to let go of their limitations and go for their dreams. I think that whatever you do in this world if you do it with love it shows whether it’s baking a cake for your child’s birthday or writing a story. Having a learning difficulty myself I really want to show that people with disabilities have many wonderful gifts to share with the world. I want to demonstrate that we are just as able as anybody else.” 

 

Aileen is currently looking for artists to take part in the Art with Heart 2021 calendar. She is looking for people who “really want to express their creative talent, support other artists, raise funds for The Bluestack Foundation and have a sense of community.”

 

Aileen is looking for 11 fellow artists to donate their time, expertise and creativity for free to teach 12 children how to reproduce a painting of their choice. This will then form a 2021 calendar which will display both the artists painting and the child’s interpretation of the painting, together over 12 months.

“By working together we want to inspire our community along with supporting people with disabilities,” she said. 

 

The Bluestack Special Needs Foundation is a non-profit organisation whose mission is to “enhance the lives of people with special needs”. They provide an inclusive community facility that offers a range of services and supports to people with special needs, their families, friends and carers. All proceeds of the calendar will go directly to The Bluestack Special Needs Foundation and all artists that are interested in part will be Garda Vetted. Anyone who is interested in taking part can Aileen Kelly on 087 1760961, Colette Glackin, The Bluestack Special Needs Foundation, Programme Co-Ordinator on 074 9740828 or visit the Facebook Page ‘Art With Heart’.