Amazing achievement as Charles awarded as part of international exhibition for people with autism
A young man from the Market Rasen area is to see one of his paintings displayed in an international exhibition.
It was suggested to Charles Blake, 30, who lives with sensory processing disorder and autism, that he enter one of his paintings in an international exhibition organised by Artworks Together in Sheffield.
To his delight it was accepted to be exhibited at the Millennium Gallery in the city from January until May.
He was then thrilled to hear just before the official opening that he had also won one of the five special awards - for Colour Brilliance.
At the launch event, Charles joined the other award winners and their guests at the front.
He said: “This is the most exciting day of my life” as he and his mum Geraldine went up to collect his award.
Geraldine said: "I read out his thank you which he had transcribed to me the previous day."
She explained: "Artworks Together arranged this international festival for people with autism with or without learning difficulties and for others with learning difficulties.
"Charles requires support from two individuals 24 hours a day to ensure that he is able to live a full life. He has autism, sensory processing disorder and together these hamper him in communicating with speech, amongst other things. He is, however, able to share his thoughts, opinions and wishes by pointing to a letterboard.
"Those who know Charles admire his eagerness to learn new things and to give everything a go, (maybe only once). His humour and intelligence are amongst his many qualities which were only realised 10 years ago when we discovered an amazing form of communication."