Amy Pitcher had never held a paint brush before she started going to a Thursday morning class about a year ago.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
She had never worked with oils or water colours, or had the opportunity of artistic expression.
Today, her art hangs proudly on the walls of the Katherine Cinema.
Her work is part of an exhibition, Textures, showcasing artists who attend the Access Arts program run by Katherine Regional Arts.
"Each week, the group of artists who have disabilities ranging from intellectual disabilities, autism and cerebral palsy utilise the strengths brought through their disability to create these unique art pieces," Step Out CEO Viv Bailey said.
Step Out supports adults with complex support needs, and the art class is just one of the programs the artists are involved in to develop life skills and promote independence.
"[The exhibition] has been an opportunity for the artists to have professional guidance towards expressing their feelings," Ms Bailey said.
"And it gives them the opportunity to be recognised for the artists they are."
Since the beginning of the year, Fiona Campbell has worked with the artists closely, exposing them to different textures, providing a creative outlet, and experimenting with tools.
"It has been challenging to find niche tools the artists can use to create their work with the daily restrictions they deal with," Mrs Campbell said.
"For instance Jesiah has minimal motor skills, so we strapped on a body loofah... That is his tool, we can get paint on it and he can get creative."
Everything from ice cubes, spaghetti, cotton buds and pastry brushes have been used as a means to bring the canvases to life.
"We have used layers of different mediums to create different textures," Mrs Campbell said.
And while there was no great goal to the class other than providing enjoyment and a chance to get messy, Mrs Campbell has noticed improvements in manual skills.
"Any form of creative expression is healing," she said.
For Ms Pitcher, who used ice cubes to create two of her art works, and incorporated dot painting for another of the sea, the art classes have been a chance to meet with friends and experiment with paints.
The exhibition is running at the Katherine Cinema Foyer Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm until September 12.
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox each Friday at 6am from the Katherine Times. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, sign up here.