YORK artist Sue Clayton will mark World Down Syndrome Day at Pocklington Arts Centre on March 21 as her Downright Marvellous At Large exhibition draws to a close that day.
Sue’s portraits of adults with Down Syndrome and a giant pair of hand-knitted socks will provide the backdrop for the 11am to 1pm event featuring children’s craft activities, music, cake and a pop-up exhibition.
That show, This Is Me, will be running in the arts centre studio during the final week of Downright Marvellous At Large from March 14 to 21. On show will be self-portraits by members of Wold Haven Day Centre, Pocklington, and Applefields Special School, York, created at workshops led by Sue.
Sue put her exhibition together in honour of her son, James, who has Down Syndrome and turns 18 this year. “Downright Marvellous At Large is a true celebration of adults with Down’s at work and play, and I hope it has made a real impression on visitors,” she says.
“I can’t wait to bring what has been a really busy, successful exhibition to a suitable close in spectacular style with a celebration to mark World Down Syndrome Day.
“Everyone is invited to come along, enjoy some children’s crafts, a pop-up exhibition and a free piece of cake, as well as a few surprises along the way”
Sue’s portraits, presenting the “unrepresented and significant” social presence of adults with Down Syndrome, is complemented by a giant pair of odd socks created using hand-knitted squares donated by members of the public.
Many people wear odd socks on World Down Syndrome Day, a global event that aims to raise awareness and promote independence, self-advocacy and freedom of choice for people with the congenital condition.
Socks are used because their shape replicates the extra 21st chromosome that people with Down Syndrome have.