Local artist Zion Levy Stewart is in the last few days of his first exhibition at the Tweed Regional Gallery in Murwillumbah.
You have only a few days left, until May 4, to experience Zion’s ‘Life is Art’ exhibition that opened on Valentine’s Day this year.
Zion is an artist with Up Syndrome – generally called Down Syndrome. His infectious zest for life is chronicled through his art, sharing his unique and positive view on life. Through a series of vibrant acrylic paintings, Life is Art invites viewers to enter an innocent, naive world of quirky people, birds, and animals, and share in the joyful visions of Zion’s art.
Zion joins permanent collection
During the exhibition opening Gallery Director Ingrid Hedgcock made the announcement that two of Zion’s pieces had been purchased by the Tweed Regional Gallery for their permanent collection.
‘I was so surprised and excited when it was announced that the gallery would add two of Zion’s paintings to its collection,’ Christine Levy, Zion’s mother, told The Echo.
‘I was almost overwhelmed by Zion’s remarkable achievement. What a great acknowledgement of his artistic talent, love of painting, and all his hard work to create his wonderful exhibition “Life is Art” at the prestigious Tweed Regional Gallery.’
The two pieces the gallery purchased are portraits of Ken Done and glass artist Noel Hart.
Zion has regularly exhibited in group shows with RED Inc. artists with disabilities and had four solo exhibitions. His work is held in private art collections in US UK and here in Australia.
‘I am the proud owner of a Zion Levy Stewart portrait of myself and my family. It’s a real honour to have him paint us, particularly as he is fast becoming a collectable artist,’ said Mandy Nolan who attended the opening.
Get along this weekend to the Tweed Regional Gallery at 2 Mistral Rd, South Murwillumbah and enjoy Zion’s creations. Entry is free and there are daily guided tours start at 11.30am. Gallery Guides will arrive at Claude Monet’s Meules, milieu du jour (Haystacks, midday) at 12pm for Monet at midday and then continue the tour of the gallery. Tours are approximately 45 – 55 min.
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