A new art exhibition with artwork created by young people with arthritis will open in Glasgow.

The exhibition, 10 Years in the Baking, is run by charities Versus Arthritis and Project Ability, and will be open to the public on March 16 to coincide with World Young Rheumatic Diseases (WORD) Day on Monday, March 18.

The showcased artworks is by the Joint Creativity project and is an initiative offering residential trips and creative workshops to young people with arthritis.

The theme incorporates spoon theory, a way of explaining how people live with chronic illnesses like arthritis.

Glasgow Times: The theme incorporates spoon theory, a way of explaining how people live with chronic illnesses

Glasgow native Sarah Aitken, 17, who was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), has been part of this initiative since 2021.

She said: "When my symptoms began, I had to stop doing lots of things that I use to enjoy. It sometimes feels like my arthritis is taking over, but the Joint Creativity programme helps me to see what's important to me aside from my arthritis, and that’s been really helpful for me."

She said the project has has made her feel less alone, adding: "I've learnt a lot more about my condition because of the art activities that we do.

"It's also really helped me to think about how I'm more than my condition, and it doesn't define who I am."

In the UK, there are approximately 12,000 children diagnosed with JIA, an autoimmune inflammatory arthritis striking people under 16.

Klaire Connor, young people and families manager at Scotland Versus Arthritis, said: “We are thrilled to be running the Joint Creativity project for the 10th year and exhibiting so many pieces of art created by young people with musculoskeletal conditions across the UK.  

“We are excited for the public to see the artwork, the techniques the young people have learnt over the years, and how they have helped develop and shape Joint Creativity throughout the last decade”. 

The exhibition will take place at Project Ability, 103 Trongate, Glasgow, G1 5HD. Opening hours are 11am to 5pm, March 16 to April 20  (Wednesdays -to Saturdays, closed Easter Friday).