Expressions of Us: An Art Library project with The Rainbow Club
Expressions of Us is a project developed with neurodivergent young people from The Rainbow Club Cork Centre for Autism
Curated by Meadhbh Healy
In Spring 2025, the Glucksman invited a group of teenagers from the Rainbow Club Cork Centre for Autism, to participate in a series of creative workshops and to make artworks for public exhibition for World Autism Awareness Month.
These creative workshops were designed between the Glucksman and The Rainbow Club to create a supportive and collaborative environment for all participants. Led by artist Lara Quinn, participants explored and expressed their identities through a range of art mediums and materials like collage, drawing and sculpture. The group used artworks from the University College Cork Art Collection as inspiration for their own creative explorations and responses.
The participants are Autistic (AS), Autistic, Neurodivergent. This is how they have individually chosen to be identified. A range of resources like social stories, sensory kits & a designated calm zone was provided for the group while on site at the Glucksman to offer the group sensory breaks and regulation. This helped to create a more inclusive environment and promote engagement with all participants.
Special thanks to the young artists who participated: Ava O'Sullivan, Hannah O'Sullivan, James O'Neill, Niamh O'Sullivan, Sophie O'Sullivan, Emma Ronayne, Toad and others who have chosen to remain anonymous.
With thanks to artist Lara Quinn and The Rainbow Club Cork Centre for Autism staff Molly Dennehy O’Mahony and Hannah Berney and photographer Clare Keogh.
A selection of artwork from this project will be exhibited in the Glucksman Foyer 15 April – 27 April, 2025, in recognition of World Autism Awareness Month.
The Art Library is a loan collection of artworks that is available to schools, community hubs and healthcare settings across Ireland. It is supported by a Touring Award from the Arts Council of Ireland.
