Tori shows ‘True Colours’ with new art exhibition

Young Derry woman Tori McNeill is looking forward to hosting her second art exhibition in not one but two venues across the city.
By The Newsroom
Published 3rd Nov 2019, 08:09 BST
Tory McNeill pictured at her Waterside home with her mum (left) and tutor surrounded by some of the artwork which will be on display at two exhibitions next month in the city - one at The Waterside Theatre, starting Friday, 8th November and the other at the Garden of Reflection, Bishop Street starting Monday, 18th November. (Photos: JIm McCafferty Photography)Tory McNeill pictured at her Waterside home with her mum (left) and tutor surrounded by some of the artwork which will be on display at two exhibitions next month in the city - one at The Waterside Theatre, starting Friday, 8th November and the other at the Garden of Reflection, Bishop Street starting Monday, 18th November. (Photos: JIm McCafferty Photography)
Tory McNeill pictured at her Waterside home with her mum (left) and tutor surrounded by some of the artwork which will be on display at two exhibitions next month in the city - one at The Waterside Theatre, starting Friday, 8th November and the other at the Garden of Reflection, Bishop Street starting Monday, 18th November. (Photos: JIm McCafferty Photography)

‘True Colours’ will be opened at the Waterside Theatre on Friday, November 8 and continues at The Garden of Reflection gallery, Bishop Street on Monday, November 18 as part of Youth19.

The young Waterside woman, who has Down Syndrome and who was diagnosed with autism shortly after last year’s exhibition, has gone from strength to strength with over 80 paintings completed for the two upcoming events.

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Known for her stunning use of colour and unique style,Tori’s love and passion for her craft shines out from her work.

â¬STRUE COLOURS⬝ . . . .A delighted Tory McNeill pictured at her Waterside home with some of the artwork which will be on display at two exhibitions next month in the city - one at The Waterside Theatre, starting Friday, 8th November and the other at the Garden of Reflection, Bishop Street starting Monday, 18th November. (Photos: JIm McCafferty Photography)â¬STRUE COLOURS⬝ . . . .A delighted Tory McNeill pictured at her Waterside home with some of the artwork which will be on display at two exhibitions next month in the city - one at The Waterside Theatre, starting Friday, 8th November and the other at the Garden of Reflection, Bishop Street starting Monday, 18th November. (Photos: JIm McCafferty Photography)
â¬STRUE COLOURS⬝ . . . .A delighted Tory McNeill pictured at her Waterside home with some of the artwork which will be on display at two exhibitions next month in the city - one at The Waterside Theatre, starting Friday, 8th November and the other at the Garden of Reflection, Bishop Street starting Monday, 18th November. (Photos: JIm McCafferty Photography)

She is described by her art teacher, Karen Torley from Banyan Theatre, as someone who ‘paints mainly in acrylics and watercolours but over the last year has grown so much as an artist both in ability and confidence,’ and testament to this is shown by her large Facebook following and the great support she receives from across the country.

“I love painting because it makes me happy and gives me confidence,” said Tori.

“I called the exhibition ‘True Colours’ because I like bright colours and love the song since I heard it when it was being used for Autism Awareness.”

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Mum Dara says she has seen Tori change for the better since taking up art.

“There has been so many positive benefits since Tori has started to paint and we are so glad that she has found what she truly loves doing. We are all very proud of her!”

The young artist has many strings to her bow and has a work placement once a week in an office under the guidance of Habinteg Housing and is supported by Mencap. Tori is also a keen photographer in her spare time.

Tori is also been supported by Foyle Down Syndrome Trust where she presently learns printing skills under their social enterprise programme, and she put these skills to good use recently by printing her own posters and invites for the upcoming exhibitions.

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But it’s art that is still her first love and its where she’s directing all her energy to make a career out of being a professional artist. Karen Torley said: “Since I started working with Tori three years ago she has grown so much in her talents and confidence.

“We work together weekly on new paintings but have daily discussions on art and new ideas. Watching her development as an artist gives me so much joy,”

Hoping for a great turnout at the two events, Tori’s mum Dara added: “All any parent wants for their children is for them to be happy and she is so happy when she is painting.”