20 May 2026
A talented autistic artist has transformed Wolverhampton’s Gem Centre with vibrant canvas artworks, creating a brighter and more welcoming space for patients.
Emy Spinks, from Selby, North Yorkshire, creates canvases using collage materials such as old magazines and leaflets, alongside paint pens and paint sticks, to build rich texture and colour.
Commissioned by The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust’s registered charity, Your RWTC, Emy produced three canvases for display in the Gem Centre foyer.
Patients were invited to vote for their favourite piece, which will now be recreated on a larger scale for the Centre’s main entrance.
The artwork aims to create a more uplifting and engaging environment, offering a comforting distraction for young patients and their families while they wait.
Inspired by visits to the Sea Life Centre, Emy’s designs feature playful underwater scenes including sea creatures, a yellow submarine and a treasure chest.
She titled the project Under the Sea Pirates’ Treasure and listened to pirate-themed music while bringing her ideas to life.
Sara Eacopo, Matron for Children’s Community Nursing Service and Clinical Nurse Specialists at RWT, said: “We were delighted to thank Emy for her incredible contribution to the Gem Centre.
“Her vibrant, underwater-inspired canvases beautifully reflect the spirit and history of our space, bringing creativity, colour and character to life.”
Rachel Robinson, Marketing and Health Promotion Officer, added: “It was a privilege to welcome Emy in person to present her art.
“We are proud and excited to showcase her original canvases within the Centre. Her talent, passion and unique perspective have made a truly lasting impression on us all.”
Amie Rogers, Fundraising and Lead Engagement officer, said: “Emy’s artwork is fantastic – it’s so bold and eye-catching and will do a fantastic job of capturing the attention of young people while they wait for their appointment.”
Emy’s one-to-one support, India Pierson-White, said: “Emy is classed as non-speaking, though she is able to communicate in her own way. Art is her main way of expressing herself and connecting with others.
“We love being able to share Emy’s art in places such as hospitals, where it can provide a welcome distraction for patients, brighten corridors and make people smile.
“We hope the artwork shares our message of autism acceptance and inclusivity in the arts.”
Emy has shared behind-the-scenes content, showing how she creates her artwork, on her TikTok channel, @Emyspinkart.