Local artists at genU’s Cox Road site were busy brandishing paint brushes, pencils and pens to produce eye-catching entries for Geelong’s largest art exhibition exclusively supporting people with disability. 

The 17th artX Regional attracted a record number of entries (159) in this year’s exhibition, which celebrates the incredible artistic talent within our region and highlights the diversity and inclusiveness genU proudly supports.

genU Cox Road Studio artists like Sue and Kellie were determined to help achieve that record number for the exhibition, which lined the walls of the genU Eastern Hub Community Centre’s Rachinger Gallery.

genU’s Cox Road Art program has been running for more than 20 years and currently supports 20 artists who come together to create and feel part of their community. 

Sue has been a fixture at the Cox Road Art Studio for many years. 

Her artistic style is vibrant and colourful, and she enjoys creating her artwork in the same spot with a peaceful view looking out a studio window. It’s her happy place every Tuesday, where she is supported by Cox Road Art program staff to let her constant bursts of creativity shine.   

“I love it, it’s a good program here,” Sue said. 

Sue steamed ahead with her artX Regional 2025 entry once she settled on the topic, and like much of her artwork, Sailboats on Corio Bay was inspired by the world she sees around her. 

“I saw the sailboats and thought, ‘I could draw that’,” Sue said.  

She’s also blessed with internal inspiration, with images appearing intuitively to then be captured on paper. 

“Ideas just come into my head,” she said. 

A prolific artist, Sue has entered at least 60 artworks into exhibitions over the years, while her work has evolved over time, starting with coloured pencils and then experimenting with papier-mâché. 

Her current medium is felt-tipped pens, and she’s particular about one brand: Faber Castell. They get a solid workout, too, needing to handle the rigours of Sue’s work pace, as she dives straight into her project as soon as she arrives at the Cox Road Studio. Her latest creation is an interpretation of Uluru she saw on a documentary.

genU staff have supported Sue to learn a new skill and she now pitches in to construct frames for each individual artwork and is proud to help add a professional touch to the submissions her fellow artists have created.  

Over in ‘Kellie’s Corner’, another busy Cox Road Studio artist is ready to submit her latest exhibition piece. Kellie’s Sun Bird depicts two colourful birds as the central characters, perched on a branch.   

Every Monday and Tuesday you can find Kellie focused on her next creative piece, taking a careful and considered approach with each flourish. 

Having previously won an award for her painting depicting a house, Kellie’s inspiration is drawn from her environment, books and ideas.

genU CEO Clare Amies said artX Regional demonstrated the value of the art program in helping people with disability lead enriched lives and played an important role in creating genuinely inclusive communities. 

“Our Cox Road Art artists and their families enjoy attending the official opening of artX Regional every year, as it gives them a chance to see their work displayed and be proud of their efforts,” Clare said. 

“genU is thrilled with how our exhibition has become renowned for featuring distinguished and dynamic artworks, created by artists who identify as a person with disability and with/or a history of mental health challenges.

“We know the multiple benefits artists receive through having a creative outlet and following their passion, including a stronger community connection, making friendships with like-minded people, finding new ways to communicate through artistic expression and achieving greater self-confidence.”