Sunflower exhibition to honour Jayne’s creativity
A memorial exhibition for Jayne Wilson will be held later this month to celebrate and honour the creative energy for which she was known. (Photo by Shairon Paterson)
Jayne Wilson’s love for sunflowers is the inspiration behind sunflower-themed artistic displays at a memorial exhibition honouring her life in Wollongong this month.
Jayne, who passed away on Christmas day, 2013, was instrumental in the creation of The Salvation Army’s First Floor Program, a holistic drug and alcohol service, based at Wollongong Corps. She left a legacy that many, including her family, colleagues and First Floor Program participants are eager to celebrate.
“They [sunflowers] reflect hope, joy and potential, which Jayne exuded,” explained Marilyn Dunn, First Floor Program Coordinator.
The idea for a memorial exhibition was developed to celebrate Jayne’s flair for creativity. Her artistic abilities included drawing, painting, writing and storytelling and her creativity even spread to designs in her own home and garden.
“Jayne was a woman of vision and she loved colour. Often in her personal artworks she was frustrated by her inability to portray the reality of the colours she saw that reflected God’s glory,” said Marilyn.
People were invited to submit a creative artwork – whether a painting, photograph, mosaic, mixed media or creative writing – based around the sunflower theme. Each entrant was also required to write a short written piece explaining their artwork’s relevance to the theme.
Along with being Jayne’s favourite flower, sunflowers were chosen as they are a symbol used by one of the First Floor Program’s support groups.
The artwork exhibition is being held from 22 January to 1 February. It will be judged in two categories – Youth (under 18 years) and Open (18 and over). Those who visit the exhibition will be able to vote. The two winners of the People’s Choice award will be decided by the number of community votes.
Jayne’s family will present the Wilson Family Award to the two entries that best represent Jayne – her personality, work and legacy.
“As well as being creative, Jayne was inclusive and passionate about community, so an exhibition of this type will serve to bring people together and celebrate her contributions to our lives,” said Marilyn.
Entrants can nominate their work for sale and 25 per cent of the proceeds will go towards supporting the First Floor Program. Sunflowers will also be available to purchase and each sunflower will count as a vote towards the People’s Choice Award winner.
Marilyn said they plan for this exhibition to be an annual event, every January, to keep Jayne’s legacy alive.
This article first appeared in the January edition of Creative.
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