Tori McNeill is a vibrant young artist whose joyful use of colour and imagination has captured hearts across Derry and beyond. A founding member of North West Spectrum, Tori provides art masterclasses for autistic children and young people, inspiring others to explore creativity as a form of expression and wellbeing.

Tori first discovered her passion for painting through art therapy with Karen Torley from Banyan Theatre Company. “Karen helped me to develop my art,” Tori explains. “My first painting was a sunset with dolphins and that’s when I knew how much I loved painting.”

Painting makes Tori feel happy and relaxed, and her artwork bursts with rainbow colours, dreamlike landscapes, and a sense of freedom. “I love using bright colours because I love rainbows,” she says. “Sometimes I paint real places, but I also love to use my imagination.”

Working mainly with acrylics on paper and canvas, Tori is known for her fast and intuitive painting style often completing a piece in under an hour. Her favourite subjects are landscapes, where she combines real-life inspiration with vivid imagination.

Now the proud owner of her own ArtShop in Lisnagelvin Shopping Centre, Tori displays a wide selection of original canvases and acrylic works on paper in various sizes. “I feel happy and proud to be opening my first shop,” she says. “I hope my paintings make people feel happy and inspired.”

Every Wednesday, Tori is the Artist-in-Residence at the Gasyard Centre, where she paints, mentors others, and continues to grow as an artist. She has hosted over ten exhibitions across the North West and remains an important part of Derry’s inclusive arts community.

Tori’s journey has been supported by the Gasyard Women’s Trust, who empower women of all abilities to develop their skills, independence, and leadership. Through their mentorship and enterprise support, Tori has transformed her dream into a reality, opening her own business and continuing to inspire others through creativity.

“I want people to know that with help and encouragement, anyone can achieve their dreams,” Tori says. “Work hard and never give up.”