The successful Reflections of Me – Living with ADHD exhibition continues this weekend, Saturday (10am-5pm) and Sunday (10am-3pm), 16-17 July.
The show at Lansdown Gallery in Stroud has been visited by more than 200 people since it opened on Tuesday and features the work of more than 15 artists.
“The Stroud ADHD Group is a group run by adults with ADHD for adults with ADHD, pre/post diagnosis, supporting each other with empathy whilst celebrating our strengths and promoting self-compassion for the daily struggles we encounter,” said Sara Wright.
“Recently formed (in November last year) after I sought peer support after my own ADHD diagnosis, the group has since grown to 130+ members, offering not only peer support to adults with ADHD but also parents and carers of children with ADHD, in the Stroud District and surrounding towns. We hold twice monthly in-person peer support meetings, organise social events, and as we grow as a community, we soon hope to form additional support groups with mentorship for young adults and children.
“The Reflections of Me exhibition was developed to help give our more creative and brave members the opportunity to have their voice heard, whilst raising awareness of ADHD – and to normalise neurodivergence in a world that has meant we have struggled to conform to a life of standards that aren’t compatible with our authenticity and needs.
“The exhibition has had a deeply profound effect on visitors since it opened on Tuesday. There is a plethora of various mediums, including a children’s craft area (where they can choose to also have their artwork exhibited), a poetry corner, an information table and a couple of friendly members of the group who will gladly talk to you about everything ADHD, and much more, most likely!
“Our community group is non-profit, all our members volunteer their own time, and for this exhibition are gifting the expenses – driven by a passion to empower and support each other,” added Sara.
“I’d like to thank members Jessy Plant for curating, plus Kristie Bendall, Donna Bullingham and Alice Lovegrove who without their immense help I couldn’t have manifested this beautiful exhibition.
“Comments from visitors have included: ‘Wonderful exhibition – thank you for this deeply personal insight into ADHD. Beautiful artwork,’ and ‘Thank you, I am so glad I have found out about [your group]. Beautiful and moving artwork, I can resonate with a lot of what is expressed in the art.”
