AN ART exhibition and auction helped raise money for a new soft play area for autistic children.
Art Explosion for Bristol Autism Project was conceived by Debbie Cogan, from Barton Hill, whose son James, 12, has high functioning autism.
James takes part in events the project runs during the school holidays.
Children using the project told leaders how much they loved soft play but were usually unable to participate in sessions with other children as it is often too noisy and busy for them to handle.
And unfortunately the project could not afford its own soft play area due to the cost.
Ms Cogan, who lives in Glendare Street, said: "Bristol Autism project tends to the needs of hundreds of children in the city with autism.
"A lot of the children would love the chance to go to soft play areas for a soft play sensory session but don't get to do this because often it is too busy and noisy and hard for them to handle.
"I was talking online with other parents whose kids use the project and I decided to arrange something different – that's when Art Explosion was born."
Bristol artists pitched in and offered some of their artwork for auction, as well as artists from further afield. Those donating included X Files actress Gillian Anderson and Skins actors Daniel Kaluuya and Alex Arnold.
Bristol Lord Mayor Geoffrey Gollop opened the art exhibition at the Centre Space Gallery in Leonard Lane on Saturday and in the evening the artworks were auctioned.
Just over £850 was raised and will go towards the soft play area.
Ms Cogan said: "Our art show had a good response and we got to meet many different types of people.
"Lots of people came to find out more about autism which is always a great thing and many people bid on some wonderful pieces."
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