AWAY from all the magic acts, bawdy dancing and edgy comics, a quieter more virtuous event is Making Waves at Fringe World.

The inclusive art exhibition features 26 works by talented clients at Rocky Bay, a disability service provider in WA.

• Artists Hailey Somerfield and Jodi are exhibiting at this year’s Making Waves.

It’s an inspiring and touching exhibition, showing the creative peaks people can reach, despite the challenges in their lives.

A standout is the 3D collage Jellyfish by blind artist Jodi, who brings pieces to life by exploring via touch and sound.

“It’s important to me because it makes me happy,” she says.

“I like creating mosaics because it’s just like a puzzle, I can feel the different shapes. I also really enjoy painting.”

She says Jellyfish is her favourite work to date: “I really enjoyed making this because of all the different feels of the material and the sounds I created with it.”

The colourful and bright marine-themed exhibition includes everything from colourful tropical fish and lighthouses to mermaids and beach umbrellas.

Another talented artist exhibiting is four-year-old Hailey Somerfield, who lives with KAT6 Syndrome, an extremely rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorder.

For Somerfield, art is more a language than a hobby.

She is mostly non-verbal and uses painting and sensory play to express her feelings and connect with the world around her. 

Her artwork at Making Waves features shells and googly eyes.

“She likes people to look at her,” says mum Kathryn.

“So the googly eyes she includes are a reflection of that because they move in a similar way to our eyes, and the shells remind her of picking one up on the beach to listen to the ocean.”

A bright, energetic four-year-old, Hailey loves sensory play, running around outside with her sister, and has a big fascination with bubbles.

When it comes to art, painting is her favourite activity, which she prefers because it offers smooth textures and calming sensations that help her regulate emotions and feel in control.

“It’s the feeling of the different textures,” says Kathryn.

“The paints, the way they move, it’s calming and intriguing for her.”

Part of Fringe World, Making Waves—Rocky Bay Studio is in the lobby at Central Park Perth, 152 St Georges Terrace until Friday February 6.