News • 22 Nov 2022

Teresa’s Recovered Futures success signals a career in art

Teresa and her Art

Teresa is elated to have achieved a life-long goal of exhibiting and selling her art works at the iconic annual Recovered Futures Art Exhibition in Brisbane, and more recently her first solo art exhibition, Beauty in Everything, at the Old School House Gallery, Cleveland.

Teresa was diagnosed with schizophrenia when she was 15 and has received support from Open Minds for several years. Seeing art created by other artists with mental illness at the Recovered Futures exhibition was a powerful moment for Teresa, made even more special as her two pastel works on paper, Tempting and Delicious Bite, were both purchased prior to the exhibition opening to the public.

“When I entered the exhibition opening, I saw two red dots on my art works, which meant they were sold. It was such an incredible feeling!” said Teresa.

Following the success of her first exhibition, Teresa went on to recently do her first solo exhibition: Beauty in Everything, at the Old School House Gallery, Cleveland.

Teresa feels she is on the path to a solid career in art and this is something her Open Minds Support Workers Gina, Lesley, Sally, Ashleigh and Jess are delighted to support her with.

“It has been such a privilege to be part of Teresa’s journey, and as her Support Workers, we are so proud of her,” said Lesley.

“Teresa is a naturally gifted artist. We enjoy supporting her in all her creative endeavours, from taking photographs for her art or making craft, which she also loves,” said Gina.

Teresa has been practicing art since she was four years old, and her talent has been encouraged by her family and support workers.

“I taught myself how to paint, but Gina helped me to find an art class to further develop my practice. My art teacher, Trevor Platt, is an oil painter and he taught me how to use light and shade to create depth and dimension in my art,” Teresa explained.

Teresa credits Trevor for giving her confidence in her own artistic judgement and ability.

“Whenever I asked Trevor how to do something, he would tell me to just think about it. Now I understand that he was helping me to see I can do this on my own,” Teresa said.

Teresa is riding her current wave of inspiration to create more works. She will apply to enter Recovered Futures again in 2023.

Recovered Futures is an important part of Queensland Mental Health Week and has become a well-respected and celebrated occasion in Brisbane’s art community, attracting more than 7,500 visitors in person and 6,500 people online to the exhibition in 2022.

For more information about how Open Minds provides community access support, please visit our website.


Woman standing next to two framed pastel drawings
Teresa with her two featured works at the 2022 Recovered Futures exhibition.

Related articles

International Day of Happiness: 10 tips for increasing happiness

20 Mar 2024

International Day of Happiness is celebrated annually in March and aims to make people around the world ...

Read More
International Day of Happiness: 10 tips for increasing happiness

Open Minds celebrates one year of Lismore Head to Health

22 Feb 2024

Open Minds has celebrated the first birthday of Lismore Head to Health and its support for the ...

Read More
Open Minds celebrates one year of Lismore Head to Health