Kathryn O'Brien connected with Sydney artist Martine Vanderspuy a couple of years ago. Her son Tommy is 16 and suffers from mitochondrial disease, a serious genetic disorder.

Tommy has undergone 46 procedures in his life, and when Ms O'Brien heard his mother Martine was organising an art exhibition to raise money for potentially life-saving research, she decided to help.

"This research could treat patients with mitochondrial disease, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, motor neurone disease and more," Ms O'Brien said.

"I also have a friend, Rhonda Murray, a local artist who suffers from [mitochondrial disease]. She lost both her mother and brother to mito. I wanted to see if the art community here could help."

Ms O'Brien features works from local artists in her store, Beachside Emporium, and reached out to ask if any would get involved. Although their work takes anything from a couple of weeks to several months from start to finish, eight leapt at the chance to contribute a piece.

"I have a son and thankfully, he is healthy - I would like to think if he wasn't, others would help me," said Arja Valimaki.

Jamie Cole, owner of the Art Bar, said many artists suffered from physical or mental health problems.

"Part of our healing process is to paint, so when we heard a call out to support medical conditions that might not get as much funding, we jumped at the chance," he said.

Emerging artist Heather Philpott said she felt lucky to be involved.

"I love using my art as a tool to help other people who have the expertise to make a difference in areas like research," she said.

The Art With Heart exhibition will be held at Martine Gallery, 44 Sailors Bay Road Northbridge, Sydney. On October 22 from 6pm. Anyone wishing to contribute, but unable to travel to Sydney, is encouraged to donate at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/fundraising-for-a-mito-cure