John's art work is exhibited by A to A Rockets

57 year old John proudly remembers his parents as being good at art. When he was young his parents encouraged him to use art to express himself.

 His parents' painted the lower part of John's room with blackboard paint for him to write and draw on.

John feels his love of art comes from his childhood memories and his parents' support. He especially enjoys sketching landscapes and making portraits of friends, family and his support workers. John's friends, family and support workers are proud owners of their portraits.

John is a member of an art group called A to A Rockets. The group arranges exhibitions of his art work and examples of his work have been exhibited at the Phoenix centre, at the Learning Disabilities Today conference and also as part of an award he has received from the Palent House Gallery in Chichester.

Building on this success, John has an exhibition due in June 2008 and the gallery has also offered him a ‘residency' which will involve him working 2 days in a studio in the gallery, where it is hoped he will do portraits of their staff.

With the support and input  from his parents, and together with the support of the Mencap personal housing and support staff John has been enable to realise some of his dreams and lead to his success in a field of expression that he clearly has a passion and recognised talent for.