By Belinda Nolan
PETER Cave may be one of Brimbank’s most prolific artists, but he’s always been a little shy of the limelight.
The Sunshine resident has been painting for more than 30 years, but rarely allows anyone to catch a glimpse of his work.
“I’ve been doing it since I was knee-high to a grasshopper,” Mr Cave said.
“I’ve got a filing cabinet full of my paintings, but I don’t usually show them to anyone. It’s very personal. It’s my little secret.”
An intellectually disabled artist, Mr Cave became interested in painting when he enrolled in art classes as a 16-year-old.
Now 51, the seasoned artist spends an hour each week immersed in his hobby.
“I love the freedom that art gives me,” Mr Cave said.
Andrew Welsh, who manages the Sunshine’s McPherson Community Dual Disability home where Mr Cave lives, said friends were often amazed by his talent.
Members of the public will be treated to a rare glimpse of Mr Cave’s paintings as well as those by other intellectually disabled artists at a new exhibition.
The exhibition is open today and tomorrow at the Hunt Club Community Arts Centre in Deer Park. His work is currently being displayed at the Hobsons Bay Civic Centre.
