Halifax high school student with cerebral palsy embraces passion for painting

Hannah’s true colours A Grade 12 student at Halifax West High School inspires others with her love of art.

A Grade 12 student at Halifax West High School’s love of art is brushing off on those around her.

Hannah Quinn, whose cerebral palsy has restricted her mobility, decided to follow her lifelong passion two years ago. The 20 year old says she went home and told her aunt she wanted to be an artist.

“I was expecting her to kind of like freak out,” she says. “I was expecting her to, you know, say that's not a great career choice, but luckily she accepted it.”

The stroke of support was the push Hannah needed. With the help of her learning resource assistant Glendalee Clattenburg, she figured out how to control the paintbrushes.

Word of her talents spread quickly, and she's even sold some of her work. Librarian Dan Trivett invited her to hang one of her paintings in the school library.

“Since this is her last year I thought it would be great to have a legacy of hers,” says Trivett.

Trivett says Hannah’s latest piece is her most technical to date.

“The biggest thing to take away from this is just because someone looks a little different or has different abilities, don't judge them,” says Trivett.

Hannah has had her fair share of life challenges, but she's never given up and been able to turn personal adversity into a masterpiece everyone should appreciate.

“The fact that she can express herself and she is a very positive person and can a can-do attitude,” says learning centre teacher Linday Sheppard. “I am fairly confident she could overcome almost any challenge.”

Hannah says she hopes her artwork continues to inspire others.

“If I can do it then you can do it,” she says.

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Kelland Sundahl.