The two-day show was held on October 2 and 3 at the Abingdon Community Support Service (CSS) on Audlett Drive, celebrating the work of individuals with disabilities supported by Oxfordshire’s CSS network.
Organised by Tallulah Allmond, team leader in the Adult Social Care team at Oxfordshire County Council, the event showcased paintings, pottery, mixed media and handmade crafts created by individuals from centres across the county.
Cllr Tim Bearder, cabinet member for adult social care at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Events like this showcase the incredible creativity and community spirit within our support services.
“It’s inspiring to see people come together to celebrate talent, inclusion, and the power of art to connect us.”
The exhibition featured pottery from the Abingdon and Witney CSS centres, pyrography and mixed media pieces from Abingdon, paintings and drawings from Oxford, and crafts from Wantage.
Visitors were greeted by CSS participants, who also helped run the event by managing the pottery and cake sale tables, serving refreshments, and sharing the stories behind their work.
Many created additional pottery items specifically for the sale, which proved especially popular with attendees.
The exhibition attracted visitors from across Oxfordshire’s community support services, county council staff and members of the public.
Catherine Leeson, team leader at Oxford CSS, said: “It was so nice to be able to purchase some of the pottery items and I am very pleased with the little trinket dish which I bought.”
Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees praising both the quality of the artwork and the welcoming atmosphere.
Lucille Vaughan, who attends Abingdon CSS, said: “The art exhibition was really good and I felt proud to see my artwork on display.
“I met and talked to new people.
“I liked seeing all the other day centres’ work.
“A massive thank you to Tallulah for her hard work.”
The event was a collaborative effort, with CSS staff and participants working together to plan and deliver the exhibition.
A statement promoting the event read: “This exhibition is a powerful reminder that creativity knows no boundaries and that every voice, every vision, adds to the collective tapestry of art.”
The success of the exhibition has inspired plans for future events, including a Christmas Art and Craft Exhibition on December 1.
Handmade items will once again be available for purchase, with proceeds supporting CSS centres.
The festive event will also include an award ceremony for the winners of the county-wide Christmas card competition.
