Boonah is Daisy’s happy place

October 28, 2024

Every Thursday for the last six years, Daisy has attended Boonah Creative Arts Centre in West Pymble. As a creative hub for artists living with a disability, Boonah is a place where artists can unwind, learn new skills, express themselves creatively and connect with others. Boonah is Daisy’s happy place, and her presence there makes it an even happier place for everyone she encounters.

“Daisy’s kindness is her biggest strength. She brightens Boonah with her warm greetings and her positive attitude,” says Activity Support Partner, Queena.

The end of the year is always an exciting time for Boonah’s artists as they prepare to showcase their work in the annual exhibition. “The exhibition is a chance to celebrate the hard work and creativity of our artists,” says Activity Leader, Cadence. “It also provides them with a platform to share their art with the community and gain recognition for their talents.”

This year’s exhibition is particularly significant for Daisy as her work, ‘Skyline’ was selected for the invitation. With its bold colours and contrasting layers, Daisy’s artwork reveals her remarkable sense of colour and her enthusiasm for experimenting with stencils and layers. “Daisy’s artwork is a testament to her journey, embodying both her personal style and her artistic growth,” says Queena.

Daisy’s artistic growth has facilitated growth in many other areas of her life. As she has become more confident to experiment with colour and techniques, her self-confidence has grown exponentially. “She has blossomed into a vibrant individual with a love for colourful things,” says Activity Support Partner, Lesley. “Daisy is independent and determined … she expresses herself through her choice of accessories and fashion. She is a hard worker and motivated person, and she loves music, zumba, and dancing.”

Between her family and her community at Boonah, Daisy has a team of people cheering her on. “My hope for Daisy is that she leads a fulfilling life, makes friends, embraces her uniqueness and continues to pursue her dream of becoming an artist,” says Daisy’s mother, Jen.

For Activity Support Partner Lesley, helping artists like Daisy pursue their dreams is the reason she comes to work each day. “The best part of working at Boonah is witnessing the transformation in individuals as they discover their talents, build confidence, and create lasting friendships,” says Lesley. “Working a job where you not only get to create art every day but support other artists and work alongside them to bring their visions to life is very rewarding.”

The vision for Boonah upon its establishment in 1995 was to create a vibrant, inclusive community where individuals could express themselves through art, build skills, and foster meaningful connections.
Picture Daisy’s mum Jenny Left & Daisy

Today, Boonah is not only a working studio, but a gallery that welcomes members of the public into the unique, inclusive, vitalising space that it has become.

Boonah’s 2024 annual exhibition opens on Saturday November 9 and is open to all members of the public. “It is an opportunity to witness the incredible talent and creativity of Boonah’s artists,” says Cadence. “It is a chance to support individuals in their artistic journeys, celebrate diversity, and experience the vibrant community that Boonah fosters.”

Boonah Annual Art Exhibition 2024 

Saturday 9 November, 9.30 – 3.00pm
Shop 27, The Philip Mall, Kendall Street, West Pymble