Travelling art show to raise funds for those with cerebral palsy

Ms Ng Xiu Zhen, who has cerebral palsy, will have her works displayed alongside those of four others in a travelling exhibition that was unveiled at W Singapore hotel in Sentosa Cove on Sunday. Displayed works at the Art on the Move exhibition are on
Ms Ng Xiu Zhen, who has cerebral palsy, will have her works displayed alongside those of four others in a travelling exhibition that was unveiled at W Singapore hotel in Sentosa Cove on Sunday. Displayed works at the Art on the Move exhibition are on sale and all proceeds will go towards the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore, which provides rehabilitation and vocational training for those with the disorder. PHOTO: CEREBRAL PALSY ALLIANCE SINGAPORE

When Ms Ng Xiu Zhen was asked to paint an orchid in her first art class five years ago, she drew a blank.

Not confident of painting fine details because she has cerebral palsy, a disorder that causes the impairment of motor functions, she drew a simple flower instead.

Today, the 30-year-old is a confident artist, whose works will be displayed alongside those of four others in a travelling exhibition unveiled at the W Singapore hotel in Sentosa Cove on Sunday.

Today, it will move to Kith Cafe in Sentosa Cove.

Art on the Move is an exhibition organised by the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore (CPAS), which provides rehabilitation and vocational training for those with the disorder.

The other participating artists are Ms Michelle Low, 31, Mr Ang Wei Lun, 26, Ms Minah Mohd, 46, and Mr Law Rong Xian, 25.

Over the next three months, the showcase will move to two other locations - Kith Cafe in Robertson Quay and The Cheese Steak Shop in Kallang.

"I want to tell people that even though we are disabled, we are 'abled' in other areas, like painting," said Ms Ng, who is also a sailing para-athlete. "We hope that more people will be accepting of us."

After years of practice, she is now able to paint finer details and has branched out to different forms of art, including foil and sand art.

"It is my hope that through the Art on the Move exhibition, Singaporeans from all walks of life will not only appreciate the effort that goes into the artwork, but also be moved by the artists' optimism and joy," said Ms Jessie Holmberg, executive director of CPAS.

The displayed works will be on sale at the restaurants, and all proceeds will go to CPAS and its programmes. To date, more than 10 pieces have been sold.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on October 01, 2015, with the headline Travelling art show to raise funds for those with cerebral palsy. Subscribe