ART created by the disadvantaged in Fremantle will be available for purchase in an exhibition at The Old Boys School.

ARTreach is an initiative by St. Pat’s and the Local Drug Action Group to encourage relationship-building between the shelter’s outreach workers and those less fortunate.

Some artists are experiencing mental health or substance-abuse issues, others are in Perth from regional WA for medical treatment, and some are homeless.

The program, which operates in Perth CBD, Maylands and the Fremantle CBD, uses art to establish trust and rapport with people, connecting them with appropriate services, and providing information and undertaking health checks.

• An ARTreach artist.

“Many of the people we meet are not necessarily seeking out assistance,” Haley Nelson, a Crossroads Aboriginal liaison, says.

“But they’re often keen for a chat and a paint. It’s a good way to get to know people and find out where they’re at. Painting is a meaningful activity that can be very therapeutic.”

The ARTreach exhibition is at The Old Boys School, Adelaide St, Fremantle, Thursday March 1, 10am-12pm. It will also be showing at a two-week pop-up show at Fremantle Woolstores from March 6.

All proceeds go directly to the artists.

by ALICE ANGELONI