PORTER SEES GOLD OVER AT THE RAINBOW

Today, Ms Mary Porter AM MLA, Member for Ginninderra, opened the new art gallery at the Rainbow for the Mental Health Foundation.

The Daniel McFadden Artspace is named after a Canberra artist who died two years ago and whose struggle with mental illness is recognised through the creation of this space.

“Daniel regularly came to the Rainbow and it was part of this healing process to meet friends there, share his passion for art and learn new skills,” Ms Porter said.

“Today we heard from Michael Sherwood, another person who lives with bouts of mental ill health and whose wonderful photography is on display as the first exhibition in the art space.”

Michael Sherwood is an Australian photographer who has been working as a photographer since the 1960s. More information about his practice and workshops can be found on his website: www.satisfyingphotos.com .

“Daniel’s parents, Mr and Mrs McFadden, were visiting from Cooma today and shared their stories of their son and how happy they were that this place would help other people understand the affects of mental illness on individuals, carers and the community as a whole,” Ms Porter noted.

The exhibition is opened from today, 14 July 2010 to 4 August; Monday to Thursday 9 am until 4:30 pm at the Rainbow, located at H Block Canberra Technology Park, Phillip Ave, Watson.

For further information about this exhibition, please contact Locky Ateyo: Lochlan.Atyeo@mhf.org.au or 6242 6575 .

Statement Ends
Media Contact: Andrew Hunter 02 6205 0428 bh 0431 739 775
Andrew.hunter@parliament.act.gov.au