Willetton Parish Hall hosted its first art exhibition on June 20-21, featuring works by artists with intellectual disabilities from Personal Advocacy Service (PAS), a ministry of the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth. Despite stormy weather, over 60 people attended the event, which showcased paintings by four artists—Petrea Barker, John Verjans, Matthew Clark, and Geoffrey Scott—and included speeches by PAS Acting Director Margie Tannock. The artists sold several works and donated part of the proceeds to support PAS.
The exhibition matters because it highlights the power of inclusive community art programs to celebrate ability and dignity, challenging perceptions of disability. Organized by artist John Verjans, the event’s success has inspired hopes of making it an annual tradition, demonstrating how local parishes can foster creativity, friendship, and faith while providing a platform for marginalized artists to share their voices.