Fiona Stevenson invited to create charity Christmas card

Fiona Stevenson has been invited to design a fundraising Christmas card for national charity Down Syndrome UK and one of its initiatives, Positive about Down Syndrome.

The card will be one of several designs, all created by artists with Down’s Syndrome, to help raise funds for the charity, which aims to enable parents and professionals to improve the lives of those with Down’s syndrome and their families.

The charity also works with policy makers, politicians, education and health professionals and the public.

Fiona was invited to submit a design after one of the team members at the charity discovered her work, some of which she has exhibited in New York, London and Manchester.

Down Syndrome UK CEO, Nicola Enoch, said:  “When we discovered Fiona’s work, we reached out to ask if she would kindly donate one of her images. We were absolutely delighted when she agreed! At DSUK, we’re deeply passionate about showcasing the achievements of individuals with Down Syndrome and celebrating talent within our community.”

Her vibrant pieces are becoming popular with collectors and attracting praise from other artists – and have even inspired them in their own work. Associate lecturer at Central St Martins, Susan Aldworth, who describes Fiona as ‘a maker of beautiful marks’ says Fiona’s paintings inspired a suite of her own lithographs.

And late master printer Kip Gresham, who has collaborated with heavyweights such as Terry Frost and Elizabeth Frink, curated a solo exhibition of Fiona’s paintings at the Cambridge Arts Festival after the pair of them worked together on a series of prints.

Art collector Clare McCann, who has bought several of Fiona’s paintings added: “I was so impressed when I first saw Fiona’s work – her spontaneity, sense of colour, form and space and an innate and extraordinary understanding of how to use these gifts to create paintings of such joy.

“She has an emotional sensibility which appeals to her many admirers. She achieves what other artists without Down’s Syndrome can only admire. They know how hard it is to create such images.”

Fiona opted for a traditional festive theme – and chose her painting Christmas Lights for the card.

Fiona’s mother Mari said: “Fiona was thrilled when the charity contacted us asking if she’d be happy to donate an image of one of her works for use on a Christmas card. 

Fiona was a founder member of international organisation Heart & Sold which championed the artwork of people with Down’s Syndrome all over the world.

In fact, in education circles, artistic creativity is acknowledged as a popular outlet for communication among those with Down’s Syndrome.

Last year’s Christmas cards featured outline festive images for the recipient to colour in – such as snowmen and reindeer.

The cards will be available here from October or November.

Artist Fiona Stevenson has been invited to submit a design for a charity Christmas card for Down Syndrome UK – look out for Christmas Lights in the DSUK online shop
Fiona Stevenson’s bold energetic pieces have been exhibited in New York, London and Manchester

For more information and photography please contact Fiona Stevenson’s press officer, Helen Lambell, at Splash PR on 07969 253147.

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