With a cheeky grin, a kaleidoscope of colours and some wicked dance moves, a Wagga artist with special needs is ready to show off his first exhibition - just in time for Halloween.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Hayden Watts has been honing his painting and sculpting skills for the past 12 months to create "spooktacular" art inspired by his favourite horror films and imagination.
Hayden said he wants to be the best artist he can be, even better than his sister who works as an artist in Canberra.
Tahlia Keogh, the owner of Tahlia Keogh Fine Art on Edward Street, has been working with the 30-year-old "larrikin" for 12 months.
IN OTHER NEWS:
"Hayden comes along every Tuesday morning, and we hang out and paint, and there is also a lot of dancing that goes on," she said.
"Hayden often tells me he wants to be the best artist he can be."
Hayden has created more than 18 pieces of art and said he loves horror movies, Halloween and is a big fan of Pennywise the clown, who he plans to dress up as for the exhibition.
Hayden said he learned how to use a palette knife, create layers and about "putting chalk on top of paintings" when working with Ms Keogh.
But when it comes to dance moves, Ms Keogh said he is the master.
"I take NDIS clients for one-on-one classes, so if anyone is interested, please get in touch," she said.
"It's absolutely amazing to see people of all ages with special needs find a sense of community in this creative space and express themselves through art. I consider myself so fortunate to be able to do this every day."
Hayden's Spooktacular Art Exhibition is on October 30 at the Tahlia Keogh Fine Art studio.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark dailyadvertiser.com.au
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters