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In celebration of World Autism Awareness Day on Tuesday 2 April, the Riddoch Art Gallery will present the work of local artist and Tenison Woods College student Amaya Gamage. Amaya is 13 years old and loves to draw! She uses art as a hobby, for relaxation and as a means of communication.

Amaya is visually very strong, and her drawings are very detailed. She draws with a black permanent marker and never uses a pencil or eraser to correct. Amaya mainly creates unique cartoon style drawings. She is quick with her work - and can produce a completed coloured drawing in well under 2 minutes.

In August 2015, ABC Brisbane selected Amaya’s “Purple Elephant” drawing for an animated doodle episode. In the same year she participated in the South Australian Living Artist (SALA) exhibition in Adelaide. Amaya also recently won the Young Artist Award at the Open Arts Award Competition organised by the South East Art Society Inc.

Amaya’s work will be on display at the Riddoch Art Gallery throughout April. Along with the exhibition, Amaya will be launching her first book, “Amaya's Animal Alphabet” on Sunday 7 April, 11:30am at the Mount Gambier Library. Morning tea will be supplied, with the book available for sale.

Amaya’s parents would like to take this opportunity to extend their gratitude to Natasha Davis, Krysten Ridge, Alex Window and everyone at Tenison Woods College for providing a safe place for her to thrive, recognising Amaya talents and giving her a chance to shine.

Trudi Dempsey | Poplars Administration Assistant

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