Artist Mieszko Kwiatkowski displays a new exhibition at the Jones House Cultural and Community Center in downtown Boone during the month of May, including an opening reception on Friday May 4, starting at 6:00 p.m.

Art has been a life-long source of expression for Mieszko, an individual with Down Syndrome who began painting at the age of three. He studied art at Watauga High School and Appalachian State University, where he graduated from the Scholars with Diverse Abilities Program. Mieszko works with a variety of media to produce his pieces, including acrylics, wax, pen, charcoal, pencil, and ceramics. He currently showcases his work in nine private art collections.

Mieszko has won awards for his art work and is a respected artist in the community regardless of his disability. He currently studies with John Bond at the Art Mart Academy in downtown Boone.

Most recently, Mieszko launched MieszkoArt, a micro business that allows him to print his artwork on products to reach more fans. His original artwork is printed on shirts, socks, scarves, journals, mugs, and more. The products are sold at Art Mart in downtown Boone and through Mieszko’s website (www.mieszkoart.com). “Our goal is to show others that people with intellectual disabilities can be important players in the business world if we give them the chance to showcase their abilities,” the website states.

A selection of Mieszko’s products will also be available for the exhibit opening during First Friday Art Crawl at the Jones House on May 4th from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.