A local resident is using her talents as an artist to raise funds for people with developmental disabilities in Greater Victoria.
Linda Byrne is putting on her first solo exhibit, Through My Eyes, at the Coast Collective Art Gallery, beginning this week. The exhibit will feature a menagerie of realistic paintings of scenery, landscapes, seascapes, portraits, flowers and animals, as well as felt critters that Byrne makes and has staged in unusually funny ways.
All proceeds from the exhibit will be donated to Special Olympics Victoria.
“I want to connect more with different people and encourage them to also support the Special Olympics, that’s my main goal,” said the 70-year-old Langford resident. “ They’re all around us these special people, sometimes they need help and if I can help them in this way, I’ll do it.”
RELATED: Oak Bay hosts inaugural Vancouver Island Polar Plunge for Special Olympics B.C.
It’s a cause that’s close to her heart. Byrne’s son, Dale, whose is currently going by the name Daleman, was born with Williams Syndrome, a developmental disorder that is characterized by medical programs such as cardiovascular disease, developmental delays and learning challenges. As a result, Byrne decided not to pursue a career, choosing instead to stay at home and raise her son.
Growing up on a farm in Ontario, Byrne and her husband drove Dale around as there were few services that helped people with developmental disabilities. But when the family moved to Victoria two years ago to be closer to their daughter, things changed for the better.
Dale, now 48 years old, got involved with the Frederic Ozanam Centre, a day program for adults with developmental disabilities on West Saanich Road, which has had a positive impact on his life. Dale gets picked up five days a week, attends workshops, helps clean a petting zoo, delivers flyers and gets to socialize with others. He also attends dances at the Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre with friends.
RELATED: Counsellors needed for unique sporting event
Most recently he participated in Operation Trackshoes, a three-day sports festival for B.C. residents with development disabilities, at the University of Victoria last weekend.
“He’s really blossomed since he’s been there,” Byrne said. “We cannot believe the wonderful things he gets to do.”
Now, Byrne is using her talents as an artist to ensure others with developmental disabilities have the same opportunities as her son.
“Some parents cannot afford to do a lot of the things that Dale does … It makes me smile when I see my son engaging with other people, it just makes me so proud,” she said.
“We’ve been here almost two years and we cannot believe the wonderful things that the Special Olympics and the different organizations do for special needs adults and children. My main goal is to raise money and awareness for these young adults.”
The Through My Eyes exhibit will be on display at the Coast Collective Gallery and Art Centre (103-318 Wale Rd.) until June 24.
The gallery’s hours are Wednesday to Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information visit coastcollective.ca.
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
kendra.wong@goldstreamgazette.com
