Art exhibition showcases journeys for Adelaide program participants
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE
The Salvation Army and the City of Adelaide last week collaborated to host an art exhibition featuring artists from TSA homelessness and addiction recovery programs as part of National Homelessness Week.
Participants in the Kurlana Padnipadninya (KP) and Warrondi Engage and Link (WEL) programs held out of Whitmore Square, Adelaide produced artworks, which were displayed in the Minor Works Building Community Centre in the CBD.
The artworks were produced alongside Art Teacher Leah Jeffries from the WEL program, who was unable to attend the exhibition, and TSA Support Worker and artist Rhubee Neale from KP.
Rhubee spoke of the role of art in her life having experienced trauma, and how it had helped her to grow and become who she was today.
“The art has helped me through that journey,” she said. “So, I’m really honoured to be working at KP and help all the beautiful residents to do the same, grow and shine with their art. It’s been really rewarding for the residents, and myself too. It’s given me more confidence.”
Former Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Council (ADAC) program participant Tara Baggendorf was involved with the WEL program’s art space and gym facilities during a three-month stint just over 18 months ago. She spoke of how she had never painted before but now found herself returning to the centre to access the art classes and reconnect with residents and staff. Three of her original artworks were featured in the exhibition.
“I just find it a really personal and therapeutic way to express myself,” she said. “I’d like to thank the Salvos incredibly …. thank you for that opportunity.”
KP program resident Holly Wright, who had four artworks on display, said she had found herself in the program after experiencing family and domestic violence (FDV) and then struggling with addiction. She said she was used to being met with a clinical and cold response in similar programs, where if all criteria wasn’t met, she would see clients being shown the door.
“But coming into KP and seeing that all the workers, they’re all welcoming and they genuinely care,” she said. “For once I felt seen, heard and guided in a world where I felt alone.
“I’ve appreciated the opportunity to improve myself and get better for my children.”
KP Program Manager James Girvan said the goal of the service was to provide hope.
“People hopefully see a pathway forward for themselves, knowing that it’s not easy sometimes,” he said.
“For once I felt seen, heard and guided in a world where I felt alone.”
WEL Program Mission Team Leader Jacqui O’Brien said the team wanted to support people through the entire scope of homelessness, adversities, drug and alcohol addiction and trauma.
“That’s why we're all working together to help people,” she said. “I think that the artwork and the creative expression that we can do is really helpful for them therapeutically, and all of us really.”
The flyers for each of the artists displaying their works.
The Salvation Army has put together an engaging website that has more information and stories in support of Homelessness Week. Go to the website here, where you can find an array of stories supporting Homelessness Week.
