The Special Olympics World Games international art exhibition, Paint The Feeling, was unveiled in Blanchardstown public library in Co Dublin yesterday. The artists were asked to interpret "Share the Feeling", the motto for this year's Special Olympics.
The exhibition is part of the cultural programme of the this month's Special Olympics World Games in Dublin and is an opportunity for people with special needs who are not competing to be involved with the games.
More than 60 works of art from around the world will be displayed for one month in the library. Visiting delegations were asked to submit two pieces and the second pieces have gone to the delegations' host town. It is the first time that an exhibition has been staged with the games.
Dan Wilson who attends Newcourse School, Bray, Co Wicklow, and Darra Jones, who attends Carmona Services, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin, have submitted pieces for Ireland.
Darra's art tutor, Martin Delany, said his piece, Alphabet, is "indicative of what he does. It's a fair reflection of what he wants to do. He doesn't like mimicking other work." Darra's mother, Agnes, said she was thrilled and had only recently discovered his artistic talent.
Ms Leone Mitchell, a member of the games organising committee, said the main idea for the exhibition was participation and showing people's talents.
At the exhibition opening, Mr Fergus Finlay, patron of the World Games, said: "If you love looking at art, it's humbling to be in the presence of so much talent." Artist Pauline Bewick said: "It's tremendously helpful for your teacher to find out what you're good at. I feel that there seems to be an unhindered charm . . . from these paintings. They are true works of art."