AN EXHIBITION showing the work of students with autism and special needs is the focus at THAT Gallery in Festival Place.

One of the walls of the art gallery has been decorated with artwork from students of The Loddon School, in Sherfield-on-Loddon, alongside work from counterparts at the Reading-based Addington School and Brookfields School, as well as Priors Court, in Thatcham.

The work comprises of a mixture of paintings, sculpture and more created by students of all ages.

One of the gallery’s co-curators, Rachel Davis, said: “We were approached by Michael James from the Loddon School to put this on, and after chatting to the other co-curators, we decided to do it.

“Their art might not be seen outside of school, so this is a really important platform for them.

“There is a real talent that is here, and the artists should not be underestimated, but encouraged.

“It is important to their self-worth, and it is a great medium to use to express themselves in a healthy way.”

Mr James, head of the art department at Loddon School, said: “This is a valuable opportunity, and it is fantastic that we managed to pull this off. I didn’t think it would come together, but it is a fantastic achievement to get the work in the gallery.

“We can show the students that their hard work pays off. The students are over the moon that their work is being displayed, seeing the delight on their faces was amazing.

“I want to thank THAT Gallery for this opportunity that does so much for all the students whose artwork is being shown. We are hoping to make this an annual event in the future.”

The next project for Mr James is devising and running a sensory theatre experience for the children, some of whom cannot get to the theatre. It is designed to use all the senses and bring the theatre to them.

The display,coinciding with World Autism Awareness Week, will be available to view at THAT Gallery until tomorrow.