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Harrogate charity to unveil stunning mosaic designed by disabled artists

The hand-cut mosaic designed and created by disabled artists.

A Harrogate charity is set to unveil a stunning mosaic of iconic artist Frida Kahlo, designed and created by disabled artists from across the area.

Artizan International will officially reveal the vibrant artwork at its Oxford Street site today (Thursday), following three months of collaborative work by local people with disabilities.

The hand-cut mosaic, which will take pride of place in the charity's main shop window, was designed by local artist and inclusive community arts facilitator Douglas Black.

The project forms part of Artizan International's ongoing work to showcase disabled creative talent and promote inclusion through community art.

Participants involved in the project learned specialist tiling techniques, developed fine motor skills and worked together to complete the large-scale installation.

Jess Thompson, Creative Lead at Artizan International, said:

"This is one of many incredible projects that our disabled artists have been the centre of.

"This mosaic proves that disability should never be a barrier to creating something breathtaking.

"Our artists poured their hearts into every single tile, and we cannot wait for the public to see their incredible talent on display in our high street window."

Frida Kahlo was chosen as the subject of the mosaic because of her own experience of living with physical disabilities and chronic pain, using art as a means of self-expression throughout her life.

The project was made possible thanks to funding from The National Lottery, which supports weekly mosaic workshops for disabled artists in Harrogate, helping them develop their skills and experience.

The unveiling ceremony will take place between 10am and 11am on Thursday 11th June at Artizan International's shop on Oxford Street.

Admission is free and the event is fully accessible to members of the public.

For more information about the charity and its creative programmes, visit Artizan International's website here.

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