Disabled Children's Charity in Kent
Inspired ExpressionsBrowse the collection and bid on incredible pieces of artwork generously donated by artists.
Inspired Expressions Art Auction
We Are Beams, a charity dedicated to supporting disabled children and their families, is thrilled to announce our first-ever online art auction.
We’ve received an incredible response from professional artists and art enthusiasts who have generously donated over 100 pieces of artwork to support our vital work. You’ll find a fantastic variety of styles and mediums, from established artists to emerging talents, and even some unique pieces created by the children and families we support.
All proceeds from this exciting online event will go directly to Beams.
Please note that all winning bidders will need to collect their artwork from We Are Beams in Hextable. If you wish to arrange your own courier to collect from our Hextable site, we are happy to accommodate this. For full terms and conditions, please click here.
Thank you to everyone who took part in our auction and congratulations to the highest bidders.
Watch this space – we will be revealing how much has been raised from this event shortly.
Get creative this month and unleash your inner artist!
The energy and creativity surrounding our upcoming auction, featuring artists like Mark Ratcliffe, is truly inspiring.
Artist, Mark Ratcliffe shares our passion for creativity and has written a blog post designed to help you unleash your own artistic potential. From simple exercises to thought-provoking prompts, this blog offers something for everyone.
Take a moment to read the blog and find your inspiration.
Meet Anna-Marie Buss, the artist behind 'A study in tiffany blue'
Talented artist Anna-Marie Buss is a proud Beams supporter, being one of the first to join Inspired Expressions. Anna-Marie shared "Beams is a truly magical place and makes such a difference to people’s lives. It was my first-time visiting and when I arrived, I certainly didn’t expect what I experienced from the inside. It was like a Tardis that transported me to a wonderful sensory journey full of joy, creativity and calm."
Carol Johnston has generously donated a personal painting called ‘Boulders’, which symbolises the resilience shown by parents of children with disabilities.
Carol’s son Kai 21, has Kabuki Syndrome, profound learning difficulties, poor swallow reflex, Gastrostomy, hyperinsulinism, is non-verbal, and needs 24hr care. Throughout his childhood, Kai received support from Beams including overnight respite care at Dragon’s Retreat and days out and activities through the Short Break services. Carol explains her painting ‘Boulders’ through her own experience as a parent to a child with disabilities. “My painting, Boulders show resilience when blasted by the sea. Taken from personal experience, they remind me of the resilience shown by parents of children with special needs; whatever life throws at them they need to stand their ground and fight for their child. The seaside is my happy place, where I go to escape and relax’
Hextable artist, Gill Baker Artwork has generously donated a collection of her artwork to our online art auction, Inspired Expressions.
Gill shares “I am an amateur artist, working mainly in acrylics. Since retiring from my full time employment in Children’s Services for a London local authority, I have been able to spend more time painting and drawing, on my own and with others. I am an active member of two local art groups, and really enjoy painting alongside other people. I exhibit my work several times through the year at Hall Place and other venues in Bexley. I also help to organise an annual exhibition at St Peter’s Church in Hextable, to showcase and sell the work of the Swanley and District Art Society. Recently we were pleased to be invited to hang our work in the café at the church - Next Door Hextable. I love to paint favourite places, people and things – I sometimes paint outdoors in the landscape, or I take photos and work from them in my small garden studio. I love aspects of nature, especially ancient trees. I like to imagine what they have witnessed over the centuries. I find that art is a wonderful way to create memories. I live in St David’s Road just a few doors away from Beams, so I am very aware of the charity and the marvellous work that they do with families. I am pleased to be involved with ‘Inspired Expressions’ and wish them every success with the auction.
We are incredibly proud to celebrate Olivia, a talented young artist who has flourished with the support of We Are Beams.
Beams have supported Olivia, who has Autism since she was 4 years old attending after-school clubs and short break summer activities. Olivia has always had a passion for drawing and art, especially watercolours, which she describes as her “happy place.” With guidance from her Art tutor, she achieved her GCSE in Art. She currently attends The Oaks College, while also working on commissions in her free time. Olivia specialises in creating stunning, colourful birds. She has generously donated a vibrant painting of a Keel-billed Toucan for the upcoming auction. Follow Olivia's artistic journey at @TheOliviaBirdEmporium
Shelby Newstead is a talented local artist and friend of We Are Beams whose collections range from iconic figures like Marilyn Monroe and Kate Moss to evocative, figurative pieces that explore passion and emotion.
After Shelby’s diagnosis and recovery from Neuroblastoma, a particularly aggressive form of cancer when she was just 9 months old, Shelby’s family set up the Friends of Shelby Newstead. The charity strives to help both children, as well as their families who are affected by serious illness The Friends of Shelby Newstead has been a strong supporter of We Are Beams, contributing funds for equipment at the Dragon’s Retreat respite unit and helping with the purchase of a life-saving defibrillator. Shelby has generously donated a stunning print of Marilyn Monroe to the Auction, the original painting raising over £50,000 in a previous charity auction! Shelby describes her love for Art “Art has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. When I was little I loved anything that involved drawing or painting, and now, I am incredibly grateful to call this lifelong passion my full time career. I’ve had the privilege of working with wonderful individuals on deeply meaningful projects, it’s one of my favourite parts of my job, and I am proud to contribute to Beams and wish them well in their Auction”
