A Stockport-based artist has celebrated the founding of Jennie’s Art, a not-for-profit community enterprise that will see Jennie Franklin’s (25) designs displayed and sold across Stockport.
Jennie has autism and learning disabilities, and Jennie’s Art has been developed as a way for her to use her skills and showcase her creative talent, with any money raised going into creating more products as well as supporting Jennie’s favourite local charities.
The project was marked with a spectacular exhibition of Jennie’s artwork and a launch party which saw guests enjoy the first showing of Jennie’s creations, while cakes and refreshments were available as they browsed the items on sale. Fantastic speeches were made before Jennie and her Mum, Suzie, cut a fabulous celebration cake.
Suzie and Jennie cut the Jennie’s Art celebration cake
Jennie is supported by Independent Options, a Stockport-based charity that supports adults and children with disabilities to live as independently as possible. The staff support Jennie not only to live in her own home, but to lead a fulfilling social life and be part of her local community.
Jennie is supported to make plans for her future by her Community Circle, who are a group of people close to Jennie that help to keep her at the heart of decisions made about her life, and who have supported Jennie to establish Jennie’s Art. Also part of Jennie’s Community Circle is Helen Sanderson from Helen Sanderson Associates, who have generously provided funding for the community enterprise and has helped in the planning and set up of her enterprise, along with Community Catalysts, a social enterprise and community interest company, Jennie’s family, and Independent Options.
Jennie presents her artwork
Suzie Franklin commented: “Jennie’s Art is a concept that has come out of Jennie’s Community Circle as we knew how important artwork is to her and how passionate she is about being creative. It’s really brilliant as we’re all working together to keep moving Jennie’s life along and keep her active, happy and interested in lots of new things. I’m really proud of Jennie.”
Guests enjoy the delicious cakes and refreshments as they browse the artwork
Nicola Albiston, Manager at Independent Options’ Supported Living service, said: “Jennie’s team at Independent Options are delighted to assist Jennie in the creation and launch of Jennie’s Art, which has gone fantastically well. Jennie is a talented artist, and works hard at producing her designs so we’re thrilled that the project has been so well received.
“We are all looking forward to the next stage of the community enterprise and continuing to work with Helen Sanderson Associates and Community Catalysts.”
Products including wonderful mugs, cards and postcards can also be ordered via Jennie’s Art Facebook page, which can be found here.
Team Jen celebrate the launch of Jennie’s Art with the artist herself