More than 100 people crammed into the makeshift gallery space at Fairview last Friday evening to view the large range of impressive artworks residents have been working on for the past two years at the biennial art exhibition, ‘Art for Heart’s Sake’.

A total of 148 artworks were on display, ranging from landscapes and portraits to still life and abstracts.

The artworks were created by 48 residents from Fairview’s dementia unit as part of their weekly art therapy classes.

There were also close to 20 paintings donated by local artists for sale on the evening.

All up, approximately three quarters of the artworks sold, raising a total of $5,500 – more than double raised at the previous exhibition.

Exhibition organiser Joy Holmes said it was a fantastic result.

“It was really good,” she said. “We even had some really kind people who just made large monetary donations.”

All money raised will go back into the art therapy program, which provides great benefits to the residents involved.

“The $5,500 gives us the funds to buy enough supplies for the program to keep it going for the next few years,” Mrs Holmes said.

“Art supplies are expensive and residents aren’t exactly economical with it.”

As well as raising funds, the exhibition is an opportunity to showcase the great work the program does, as well as the talent of residents.

Mrs Holmes said all who attended the exhibition were very impressed with the quality of work on display.

In particular, one item proved to be very popular amongst the crowd, with five offers made to purchase ‘Cat Marmalade’ by Eric Binge.

“It was very popular, it was in huge demand,” Mrs Holmes said. “People were very disappointed to find out it was already sold.”

In addition to the large crowd of community members who attended the exhibition on Friday, a handful of residents also came along to view their artworks.

“They were really excited to see their art up on the walls,” Mrs Holmes said.

“That’s what it’s all about.”

Mrs Holmes would like to thank all businesses and members of the community who donated paintings, as well as everyone who came along and purchased a piece.