Gympie artist Willy Webster to exhibit work at Gympie Regional Gallery

For many art is a creative release, but for this Gympie man it means so much more. Now he is getting ready to display his works publicly for the first time.

When Willy Webster discovered art, he immediately knew it was his calling.

Now the artist, who has down syndrome, is preparing to exhibit his work at the Gympie Regional Gallery for the first time.

Willy’s exhibition will be timed with Disability Action Week.

His mentor Sandra Ross said this timing sent an important message to the Gympie community.

“Willy’s a man not just with down syndrome, he’s an artist,” she said.

“It shows people in the community that he’s more than his disability.”

He was approached by the gallery to exhibit and jumped at the opportunity, Sandra said.

Willy, 54, moved to Gympie in 2019 and shortly after connected with his now-mentor Sandra. The pair met through Willy’s guardians Jayne Clapton and Bob Harriman, who he calls Mum and Dad.

Since working with Sandra, Willy has developed a distinctly abstract art style. It is characterised by warm colours, with layered geometric shapes and stark contrasts.

Paintings take Willy anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks.

Sandra said Willy has taken to the canvas like a duck to water, likely due to his certificate in Visual Arts from TAFE.

“Willy loves art and he especially loves to paint,” she said.

“He immerses himself in the act of applying paint and chooses colours based on how he is feeling.”

Sandra said she and Willy have quickly developed a strong kinship.

“Willy teaches me things,” she said.

“I learn from him all the time about all sorts of things about life (because of) how creative he is.”

Willy is a natural trickster and loves to play practical jokes on Sandra, not that he will admit it.

When asked about his mischievous nature he only had two words: “No way!”

Gympie artist Willy Webster and mentor Sandra Ross show off one of his works to be displayed at the Gympie Regional Gallery.

She said since he moved to Gympie in 2019 to be closer to her and Bob, she has seen him emerge and develop his identity.

“There’ve been new opportunities for him to live the life he’s always wanted,” she said.

“It’s a bit of a celebration.”

Willy will have 12 paintings displayed, including his popular piece, In the Kitchen.

He will also be featured as an artist in residence on November 26 and December 2.

The exhibition kicks off with an opening event on Saturday November 12 at 11am.

It will run until December 24.