Leeds based, James Tortice may be only 10 years old, but he is on a mission to use his passion for art and painting for local good causes.
James has spent the last couple of years using his artistic skills to raise money for his local ADHD group in West Yorkshire, as well as £2,000 for a friend with neuroblastoma. But he’s not stopping there. This July, James will be exhibiting some of his artwork at a gallery in Leeds.
Art has been a solace for James, who has a dual diagnosis of autism and ADHD. Through art, he’ss been able to find a way to express his emotions and direct his energy, as well as obtain a sense of agency. Art has also given James a way to connect with others, which can be challenging for young people with similar diagnoses who can find making friends a real challenge.
Raising money gives James the drive and determination to achieve big things. He’s raised thousands of pounds over the last couple of years through selling cards and hosting online exhibitions. This year, James is on another mission to raise money for causes close to his heart, this time exhibiting a range of his work at Leeds Basement Arts gallery.
James is going to be exhibiting to raise money for two causes: the ADHD group that James goes to and James’ friend Oscar.
James regularly attends the West Yorkshire ADHD group. Attending the group has been a lifeline, both fo him and for his mum, Karen. The group offers support, advice and opportunities to get involved in activities that may otherwise be difficult. James attends the group regularly, and through support, he has been able to develop friendships that can be difficult to navigate for children with ADHD.
Oscar, who was born in 2022, was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 1 at only 10 days old. SMA Type 1 is a rare degenerative, muscle-wasting condition that affects a baby’s ability to move, swallow and eventually breathe. Oscar received lifesaving gene therapy treatment when he was only a couple of months old, but this alone is not enough to prevent long-term disabilities. Over the coming years, Oscar will need intensive blocks of physiotherapy and treatment, all of which are expensive and typically not provided by the NHS.
The exhibition is going to be at Basement Arts, which is a community arts space in Beeston. The Basement Arts Project supports people who wouldn’t normally be able to exhibit, because of cost or opportunity. When James and Karen reached out to Bruce Davies, the founder of Basement Arts, he was keen to help.
James’ work will be on show at an exhibition at Basement Arts on 15th July from 12 noon until 5pm. The exhibition will be free to attend and will work on a drop-in basis. There will even be an opportunity to meet the artist.
In recognition of James’ fundraising achievements over recent years, he was invited to be featured on Blue Peter (cover photograph). The famous show was keen to highlight James’ artwork and fundraising activities. He was invited to appear on Blue Peter, as well as take part in a portrait masterclass, and have one of his pieces exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery. James loved the experience and I’m sure there will be more like it in the future.
James’ Mum Karen is really supportive of his passion for painting and fundraising. She is keen to help him continue to pursue his goals and is looking forward to seeing his designs for this year’s Christmas cards. But she is also keen to ensure that James does take some time off, so his passion continues as he grows. So, she and James are looking forward to a summer holiday by the sea after the exhibition.
We wish them both a very happy seaside break!
