SAULT STE. MARIE -- An artist in Sault Ste. Marie has finally been given the opportunity to showcase her work to a wider audience.
17-year-old Meghan Barnes is one of 16 artists who had their work displayed at the Geneva Centre for Autism's virtual rendition of its International symposium this week, an annual conference for autism research.
"I was kind of, eh about my art, like, I didn't feel I was going to be chosen," said Barnes. "But it was and now here I am, it's been really amazing."
Barnes said her inspiration for drawing came from watching horror movies with her dad.
"I started trying to draw those in a comic-like design, so that's where I got started," she said. "It's developed into more anime-esque and sometimes I draw horror."
Barnes said the opportunity was initially thought of as being a fun way to display her work.
But now, it's presenting itself to be a bit more than just a hobby.
"I wasn't expecting people to ask me if I was going to sell my art, if they could buy my art," she said. "But that's what's happening, it's been pretty crazy!"
Barnes mother said this opportunity has been a long-time coming for her daughter.
After being diagnosed with autism at 13, she said this has been an important step in growing her daughter’s confidence.
"Even at a young age, her artwork has always been really unique," said Tracey Rutkauskas. "I can't be anymore proud, it's really got the attention of a lot of people."
Barnes says her family, especially her grandmother, are what pushed her to enter for a chance to have her artwork displayed.
After many already expressed interest in purchasing her work, they're now looking at ways to start up a small business to sell it.
"We're going to have to learn to do that, for sure," said Sue Barnes, Meghan's grandmother. "Maybe another artist can help by getting a hold of us, showing the way to go, I know I'll be putting up her work all around my house now!"
