Ian is a young artist who specializes in boldly coloured acrylic paintings depicting his interest in animals, flowers, and still life scenes. As a person with Autism Spectrum Disorder, as his love for painting grew so did his self-confidence, self-esteem, and his willingness to express myself, particularly when talking about his paintings. He not only found his true inspiration in art but art truly changed his life.

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​His art teacher at West Credit Secondary School in Mississauga encouraged him to develop his art talent and began his involvement in various art shows in the Toronto area including the Geneva Centre for Autism International Symposium. He graduated in 2011 with several academic awards and the Principal’s Award.

 

As part of a Co-op Education Program in 2012, Ian completed a work placement at Visual Arts Mississauga (VAM) as a Studio Assistant. He continues to be involved at VAM as a member and frequent volunteer. During the summers of 2013 to 2016 he worked and volunteered as a Studio Assistant and Extended Care Provider with the Children`s Art Camps. Ian also takes art classes at VAM and participates in the annual Members’ Show and Art in the Park where he exhibits his paintings

 

Ian was awarded the Eleanor Ritchie Scholarship from Autism Ontario in 2012 to attend Sheridan College and graduated with an Art Fundamentals Certificate in 2014 and a Diploma in Visual and Creative Arts with High Honors in 2016.

 

​In 2014 Ian was selected to paint the portrait of the Ambassador for the Geneva Centre for Autism International Symposium. In 2016 Ian received an honorable mention for the Ron Lenyk Inspiring Youth Arts Award in Mississauga.

He currently works as a teaching assistant with the Canadian Travelling Tudors in Milton, Ontario where he assists adults with developmental disabilities with art projects in the Prep To Step-Up program.