A chance for five to shine (From Stroud News and Journal)

A chance for five to shine

PREMA in Uley is currently hosting a ground-breaking exhibition of photography and video by adults with learning difficulties.

"I'm pretty confident that it's the first exhibition of its kind in Gloucestershire and possibly even the first of its kind in the UK," said Ray Paul who, along with fellow support workers Amanda Griffiths and Charlie Levinson, organised the exhibition.

"There's an exhibition at the V&A Museum of people with learning disabilities, but that's different; it's definitely ground-breaking to give an exhibition to people who don't usually get this sort of chance."

Four of the photographers are resident in Frocester Manor, a residential centre run by the Home Farm Trust, whilst one lives at home.

"The photographers are Caroline ('Twiggy') Dacres Dixon, James Webb, David Oates, Sandy Souter and John Watkins," added Ray.

"David has almost enough work to put on a one man show. Quite a few photographs in the show have sold already."

"They have been receiving expert guidance from Amanda in digital camera technique, composition and editing for the last couple of years," said Ray, "but inspiration for the photos comes from a number of sources, including nature and spontaneous events that catch the photographer's eyes."

5 Fresh Photographers from Frocester, which opened on March 2, runs until April 12 at Prema in Uley. The gallery is open Monday to Friday between 10am and 6pm or at weekends by arrangement.