A Sydenham artist’s love of dogs and art have combined to re-imagine an iconic charity figure that will be displayed at the state library from this Wednesday.
Caroline Sant (pictured), who has a mild intellectual disability and Down syndrome, has completed an “incredible piece of art” for a Guide Dogs Victoria (GDV) Recollections exhibition.
GDV approached Caroline to take part in the exhibition by “re-purposing” one of the organisation’s iconic collection dogs into a new piece of art.
“I loved doing it – it’s lots of fun, and I love dogs,” Caroline said. “I have one dog – a Paperanian.”
Caroline, who fostered a love of art through drawing when she was a child, has produced hundreds of pieces of art that have turned heads and won several awards, including three first prizes, through disability program Scope.
Recollections aims to portray the independence and freedom guide dogs bring to blind and vision-impaired Victorians.
Caroline’s piece, which has yet to be unveiled, and the other exhibition works will be auctioned to raise money for GGV.
Caroline’s support worker, Yousef, said Caroline had overcome “many obstacles in her life” and was inspiring others with her art.
The exhibition will run from April 27 to May 10 at the Keith Murdoch Gallery at the State Library of Victoria.
