In Hong Kong’s Wan Chai district, the Morning Relay exhibition features ceramic figurines that stretch the limits of imagination, offering a glimpse into the creative minds of the artists. Hosted by St James’ Creation (SJC), a platform run by the St James’ Settlement charity, this exhibition celebrates the artistic talents of individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Kasper Lam, SJC’s assistant arts development manager, explains that the exhibition marks the culmination of a year-long artistic journey for the participants. “For many, this is their first time showcasing their work publicly,” says Lam, noting that the exhibition also includes sketches and photographs. “Receiving recognition from the community encourages participants to continue exploring their skills and expressing themselves through art.”
Among the artists is Lam Yuk-ying, who has crafted a series of ceramic dragons to honor the Year of the Dragon. “I created pieces like a dragon egg and baby dragons,” she shares. “The most intricate piece is The Dragon Prince, which took me several weeks to complete.”
Another artist, Ng Kwok-fai, finds joy in working with clay, often creating animal sculptures. “I love making animals like squirrels and puppies,” says Ng. For this exhibition, he sculpted a playful creature named Mr. Ink, which has a human face, four legs, and magical powers. “He can make things appear out of nowhere,” Ng says, smiling at the thought of the quirky character he has brought to life.
The exhibition features around 50 ceramic pieces created by students of various skill levels. The artworks range from imaginative monsters to houses symbolizing the artists’ concept of home. Live clay demonstrations allow visitors to watch the artists at work, providing an opportunity for interaction and engagement. “The positive feedback inspires the participants to keep developing their craft,” says Lam, noting that the tactile nature of working with clay is both fun and therapeutic.
For many of the artists, who may not communicate verbally, creating with clay offers a way to express emotions and tell stories without words. Studies have shown that art therapy is an effective tool for individuals with developmental disabilities, improving self-expression and reducing stress. “Our goal is to show how art can empower people with disabilities,” Lam emphasizes.
SJC, which has been supporting individuals with disabilities since 1999, continues to promote social inclusion through its arts and community programs. The platform has exhibited its participants’ works in over 10 locations worldwide, engaging millions of people through art and education.
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