A unique exhibition to mark Worcester Snoezelen's 30th anniversary is on display at the Hive to showcase the work of artists and people with disabilities.

Some 55 pieces of artwork are included in the exhibition as part of the Worcester Festival this month.

The work has been donated by local artists and people with disabilities and additional needs for auction to support the charity. Grant funding from Worcester City Council enabled Worcester Snoezelen to commission community artist Sarah Roberts to work with them and curate the exhibition.

An art preview event on August 8 was attended by Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Louis Stephen and Mayoress Katey Stephen, along with exhibiting artists, their families and other supporters of the charity.

The charity’s deputy chair of trustees, Bob Blackbourn, and its founder, Penny Brazier, were also there.

Mayor Cllr Stephen, said: “I am amazed at the quality of the art on display, demonstrating the fantastic abilities of the exhibiting artists. I genuinely believe there are pieces of art you would like to see on your living room wall and would encourage everyone to come and have a look for themselves.”

Anthony Carroll, aged 35 years, was at the preview event. He has been attending Worcester Snoezelen since it first opened 30 years ago. In this time, he has developed into an accomplished artist and has helped with fundraising for the charity for many years.

Anthony said: “I love doing art and music at Snoezelen. The piece I painted this year for the art exhibition and auction is called ‘Rainy Days’ and I hope it helps with fundraising.”

Paul Burton, a renowned artist who works in the medium of steel with slate and glass to create sculpture and garden art, has donated a piece titled ‘Ukraine’, which is included in the exhibition and auction.

He said: “I am very proud to donate this piece to help support the charity. My granddaughter, Alice, attends Worcester Snoezelen, so it is very close to our hearts. We have huge affinity for the place and how it supports families.

"My daughter has great respite when she takes Alice there. The facility itself, having multi-sensory rooms with quiet spaces you can retreat to, is wonderful if you are autistic and suffer with sensory overload. I can’t speak highly enough about it.”

If you are interested in seeing more of Paul’s work, he is opening his sculpture garden during ‘Worcester Open Studios’ August 19 to 28, when all voluntary contributions towards refreshments will be donated to Worcester Snoezelen.

Penny Brazier, who founded Worcester Snoezelen in 1993 after she discovered the huge benefits sensory leisure therapy can bring to people with learning disabilities and complex needs, said: “It is great to see so much talent on display.

"Snoezelen offers so much to so many people and it has been wonderful to see how art and music have developed over the years to become such an important part of life for so many people.

"Well done to everyone involved in bringing this lovely display together for public viewing. This is a truly special exhibition to mark 30 years of Worcester Snoezelen.”

There is free entry to the exhibition, and you can view the artwork at any time when the Hive is open until August 30 - 9am to 10pm daily (not Bank Holiday Monday).

The charity is raising funds for its work with people with disabilities and additional needs by auctioning each piece displayed.

You can find out more on Facebook @snoezeyartauction or by visiting the Worcester Snoezelen website.

The exhibition is transferring to Worcester Snoezelen, Turnpike Close, Worcester, on September 1, and the art will be available to view until September 10 when bidding for the artwork ends.