A talented artist with Down's Syndrome is celebrating the launch of her fourth solo exhibition.

Ava Reid, a 23-year-old from Macclesfield, will host her latest batch of paintings at Stockport Arc Centre from Saturday 6 June, in a showcase titled How Do You Know My Name?.

The painter works from a shared studio in Macclesfield, and aims to celebrate the sheer joy of creating in her work.

Inspired by artists such as Gustav Klimt and Claude Monet, Ava's aims to celebrate the people, animals, places and moments that make her happiest. Bright colours, expressive shapes and a strong sense of movement are the hallmarks of her distinctive style.

"I'd like people to feel the joy that I feel when I paint when they see my work", she explained.

As well as being an artistic showcase, Ava also hopes the exhibition will challenge some of the prevailing stereotypes about people with Down's Syndrome and autism.

Her artistic journey began at school, when she developed an interest in textiles. From there she studied painting at college, and since then has been mentored by Becca Smith, another local artist.

Following Saturday's launch from 2-4pm (during which times visitors can meet and speak to Ava herself), How Do You Know My Name? will be open to the public at ARC at Hat Works, Stockport, on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 10am–4pm, until Saturday 27 September 2026.

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