Dis-is-Ability sells big-time

The exhibition was held at Horizons Art Gallery in St James from March 21 - 25 and featured 35-year-old Jon Williams, who has Down syndrome, poor mental health, and early-onset Alzheimer’s.

Jon’s mother, Arlene, said she introduced her son to painting as a form of therapy two years ago after he had a psychotic breakdown.

It did not matter to her whether or not any of his exhibited paintings were sold because the point was to let people see what he was doing, and to make people aware that people with mental illnesses have abilities.

“It shows the fact that there is ability regardless of what is perceived as a disability. I think the fact that Jon has been able to produce this work is a clear indication that, in some instances there may be people who we may write off because we see them as disabled, and we think they are not able to produce. But Jon’s work is proof that this is not so. If one person goes away from the exhibition thinking, ‘Let me give this person a space to see what they could do’, that’s enough.” However, by the end of the exhibition, public awareness was built and 43 of 44 paintings, with prices from ranging from $1,350 to $2,500, were sold.

Arlene said because of the media promotion prior to the start of the exhibition, friends and strangers acknowledged and encouraged Jon in his art. “This type of change won’t come as a wave but as a gentle ripple. I like to think that Jon has thrown a pebble into the pond, let’s watch for the ripples. If one person with intellectual disabilities or mental illness is now encouraged or allowed to stretch themselves, then we’ve succeeded.” In addition, she said the recognition allowed Jon’s “sense of self ” to grow, and he became increasingly excited leading up to the exhibition , which she described as exciting, overwhelming at times, and exhausting.

“I didn’t know what to expect, and I was blown away.The place was filled to capacity for the duration of the event. People were outside waiting for people inside to leave. Jon was talking to people, taking pictures with people, mingling.

As his mother, it warmed my heart. I watched him, this young man who had struggled mightily sometimes just to function, moving easily through this appreciative throng. Many of our friends and family members came that night and there was much physical and verbal appreciation of Jon and his work.” Arlene said 21 pieces were sold on opening night and by the last day of the exhibition only one piece remained. Part of the paintings’ proceeds will go to the Down Syndrome Family Network and the remainder will go towards caring for Jon.

While she would not say no to another exhibition of his work, she stressed that he paints as a means of expressing emotions and desires he may not be able to otherwise express, rather than for exhibition. Therefore much depends on his health and level of interest as she would not push him to produce art work.