Original Paintings by Ava Reid - British Artist with Down's Syndrome and Autism
Ava Reid, Artist With Down's Syndrome & Autism, Launches 4th Solo Art Show In Stockport
On Saturday June 6th, 2026, Ava Reid, a young artist with Down's syndrome and autism, launched her fourth solo art show at the ARC Centre for Wellbeing gallery, inside the Hat Works in Stockport.
60 visitors from all age ranges attended the event with many having the opportunity to meet and chat to the artist herself. One visitor admitted to following Ava on her Instagram account @ava_va_va_voom and being 'a bit of a fan girl,' before having her exhibition poster signed.
Ava was available on the day, to sign postcard prints of the paintings 'NANA'S GARDEN,' 'LUCY IN THE GARDEN,' and 'STOCKPORT,' alongside limited edition exhibition posters featuring detail from the painting 'NANA'S GARDEN.
EXHIBITION POSTER AVAILABALE AT ARC, STOCKPORT
Visitors to the show commented on the unique freedom that Ava paints with, an attribute that eludes many artists and one which Ava's mum, Heidi, believes is a strength of having a learning disability.
'Ava doesn't put limitations or expectations on herself when she paints, she just chooses colours that reflect her mood, the weather, or the space she's in. She puts paint on her brush and starts to paint shapes.'
'Ava isn't bound by any assumptions around the right or wrong way to paint, she just paints because it makes her feel calm, and happy.'
Ava with her art mentor Becca Smith (L), & Mum, Heidi (R)
Visitors to the exhibition will experience work that is confident, colourful and joyous, with paintings that celebrate the people, animals, places and moments that make Ava happiest, bringing together bright colours, expressive shapes and a strong sense of movement.
Through this exhibition, Ava hopes to challenge stereotypes around the perceived limited potential of people with Down’s syndrome and Autism, showing that she is a self-funded, commercial artist with her own distinctive creative voice.
Ava says, “My name is Ava and I am an artist. I’d like people to feel the joy that I feel when I paint."
'How Do You Know My Name?' is open to the public at Arc at Hat Works in the centre of Stockport on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00–16:00 from Saturday, June 6th to Saturday, September 26th 2026.