OREANDA-NEWS. On May 07, 2008 Spring of Hope exhibition of art created by disabled people of Kaunas Community “Viltis” (Hope) was opened in Ukio bankas premises at 9 Gruodzio str. in Kaunas. The paintings were made by mentally and physically disabled people aged 16 to 38, reported the press-centre of Ukio bankas.

“We always want to show the public that mentally disabled people have creative abilities and deep feeling of art. Actually, art for such children, teens and adults is the main means of expression. Art exhibitions represent one of activities pursued by our community. Families belonging to the community sing together, attend art therapy sessions, write poems, make pieces of textile, and paint pictures. With this exhibition we want to share our ideas,” said head of Kaunas Community “Viltis” Joana Simanauskiene.

Ukio bankas CEO Gintaras Ugianskis appreciated the opportunity of helping to arrange the exhibition “Spring of Hope”. “We believe that this and similar events will encourage our society to accept disabled people such as they are. Visitors of the exhibition will see the potential of their creativeness,” said G. Ugianskis.

The exhibition is opened until 22 May, Mondays through Fridays from 8 a. m. until 5 p. m.

Kaunas Community “Viltis” unites disabled children, teens and adults, their families and guardians and encourages overall inclusion of mentally and physically disabled people into society. One of the goals pursued by Viltis Community is to assist the disabled to realize their social and cultural needs.