A Hampshire charity has unveiled a new art exhibition at Southampton City Art Gallery.

Autism Hampshire – an organisation that provides autism-focused training, domiciliary care, supported living services, mentoring and advice for adults diagnosed with autism – launched its new art exhibition on Tuesday, April 2, coinciding with Autism Awareness Day.

The exhibit is open to members of the public at Southampton City Art Gallery, free of charge.

All the paintings, drawings, and crafts work on display were created by members of Autism Hampshire’s Serendipity Community Groups.

Daily Echo:

Titled – ‘landscape of my mind’ – the exhibition showcases the special interests of the group’s members.

Speaking to the Echo, Beth Macey-Macleod, 44, neurodivergent artist and teacher of wellbeing at Autism Hampshire, said: “Today is testimony to the individuality that the spectrum holds.

“When you finally see yourself as autistic it gives permission for certain barriers to fade away.

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Daily Echo:

“So, whether it’s artists, poets, writers – we’ve all come together today and it’s a place for us to thrive.”

She added: “We came together as an artistic team with about seven or eight members and brainstormed what we wanted to showcase.

“The members came up with the figurative title – ‘the landscape of my mind’ – and it really allows space for autistic art and culture to shine, with members showcasing their special interests.

Daily Echo:

“We feel so privileged to be here at Southampton City Art Gallery amongst the greats and the gallery has been so supportive of us.”

The Serendipity Art group meets in the Southampton City Gallery’s education room twice a month.

One of the group’s members, Millie Goldswain, 26, created metal leaves and a crocheted mushroom – showcased as part of the exhibition inside a cabinet.

Daily Echo:

Speaking about her work, she said: “I’m a sculptor, so the leaves are made from steel, that I cut out of sheet steel and then use a heat torch to colour them.

“I make quite a lot of stuff like that – like mushrooms – in that kind of style, the mushrooms are crocheted!

“So, it’s a little bit different but it’s something I enjoy doing and it helps me with my autism and peace of mind.”

The exhibition is available to view until June 22.