A TEENAGE artist is holding his first solo exhibition this weekend.

Stevenage resident Jack Geraghty will be exhibiting at Halls Green Studio Gallery in Weston on Saturday between 1pm and 5pm.

The 17-year-old, who was diagnosed with autism at the age of six, began drawing at the age of 12 and currently specialises in Biro and charcoal drawings and paintings.

The former Fairlands Primary School pupil won a national art competition last year and exhibited at the Original Gallery in London.

Although Jack has had no formal arts training, he currently attends life drawing classes at Letchworth Arts Centre and has applied for a place at North Hertfordshire College’s Centre for the Arts in Hitchin where he hopes to study an art foundation course.

Speaking about his work, Jack’s mother, Maria Wheeler, said: “The first time he started painting a picture, his face, arms and legs were covered in paint, and in fact there was more on Jack, than there was on the canvas.

But when he was told he had to have a bath, Jack’s comment to that was ‘you can’t wash off a work of art!’

“I love the spontaneity of his drawings and the boldness he has when venturing into painting, but he works mainly

with Biro and charcoal and it is very exciting to see him developing his skills. Jack sees things differently to other people but that makes his art particularly interesting.”

Jack added: “Drawing makes me feel happy and I think I am quite rare. Everyone always seems to be amazed by what I do.”

The exhibition is free to attend with light refreshments available. Further viewings throughout March can be set up by appointment.

Directions: Continue along Maiden Street in Weston, past the school and out into the countryside. After a mile and a half, just before the Halls Green boundary, you will see Fairclough Hall & Exhibition signs on your left. Turn into the drive and follow the signs to parking area and exhibition.