Exhibit by artist Jesse Wills to benefit home for autistic individuals

Jesse Wills, a local artist who has autism, will present his paintings at an art show at Hardwood Gallery at 102 N. Main Street in Waynesville beginning Nov. 19. The show will open with a gallery reception/benefit from 6 to 8 p.m., and Willis’ paintings will be on display through Dec. 12. All donations for Jesse’s art will benefit the Western North Carolina Group Homes for Autistic Persons (WNCGHAP.)

WNCGHAP is a non-profit corporation established to provide residential care, life skills education, vocational training, and family support for individuals with autism. WNCGHAP specializes in working with individuals on the autism spectrum who have significant behavioral challenges. A group of parents worked for seven years to establish the first group home in 1984, and presently there are five group homes serving 29 children and adults. The homes are located throughout the Asheville area.

Now 24 years old, Willis and his parents moved to Asheville in the fall of 2000. He is a graduate of the Progressive Education Program of T.C. Roberson High School. He works at Blue Ridge Bags and More, a company in downtown Asheville, which provides work opportunities for people with autism.

Autism is a developmental disability which impacts the normal development of the brain in areas of social interaction and communication skills. Willis is nonverbal, but his mother says he has found a “voice” through his paintings.

Jean Alvarez, also a parent of an adult who has autism, is thrilled to have the opportunity to present Jesse’s work in the gallery.

“The first time I saw Jesse’s work I was impressed with his natural ability to use color. I think Jesse’s work offers a rare opportunity to glimpse the world from the perspective of a person on the autism spectrum.”

Jean’s husband, Dennis , is equally excited about exhibiting Jesse’s work.

“Jesse has a loose impressionistic style, depicted in vivid colors that fit into the contemporary look of our gallery,” said Dennis.

For more information about the show, contact Hardwood Gallery at 828.456.3500. See a sampling of Jesse’s artwork at www.blueridgebagsandmore.com.