Making Sense Exhibition at the Turnpike on 4th April

On 4th April from 5-7pm at the Turnpike Gallery in Leigh, there will be an amazing new exhibition called Making Sense! We have been working hard over the last few months with weekly workshops to bring you a fully touchable and messable exhibition based around neurodiversity and the senses.
We are Gemma Lees and Jamie-Lee Wainman. Gemma is a Romany Gypsy, disabled and neurodiverse artist, poet, actor, facilitator and theatre-maker from Bury. Her work deals with her lived experiences, inviting you to experience her world through both comedy and tragedy. Jamie-Lee is a neurodiverse creator, facilitator, and educator who aims to make learning experiences more inclusive for different minds, using playful and creative thinking as a vehicle.
We were brought together through the ‘A New Exchange’ programme with The Turnpike Gallery and we have held all of our workshops there as well as this exhibition where visitors can expect: a paddling pool full of pompoms, a sitting area with various fidget boards, slime, scented playdough, upcycled musical instruments, scented flavour oils to sniff and see what facial expressions they make compared to the ones made by our participants, a textured welcome book, torch projections to enjoy during a short period where the lights will be dimmed, 3D printed lithographs, clay sculptures, a ribbon garland that they can add to and a buffet and it’s completely free! Gloves and hand gel will be provided to help people experience the exhibition safely and inclusively.
We are incredibly proud and inspired by our artists who are service users of True Colours CIC who support adults with autism and learning disabilities with autistic traits, helping them to improve their social and sensory skills, lead fulfilling lives within the community and help themselves by helping others. There will be a surprise certificate and goody bag presentation for all of the participants to reward their hard work. All visitors will also get a treat, the participants’ weekly feedbacks have been turned into colourful badges and everyone is encouraged to take the one that speaks to them the most.
The project is also supported by GMCA, Wigan Council, Together Trust and Bridge College.