Artwork by Jack Geer, left, and Ronnie Sharma will be exhibited through April 30 at the Westport Book Shop. / Contributed photo
WESTPORT — Two young men, whose lives have been transformed by their artistic pursuits, will exhibit their work at the Westport Book Shop during April.The exhibit showcasing recent drawings and illustrations by Jack Geer and Ronnie Sharma will be on display through April 30 at the store, 23 Jesup Road.A reception for the artists will take place at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 10. To make a reservation to attend, call 203-349-5141 or email bookshop@westportbooksaleventures.org.
John Charles “Jack” Geer began drawing as a toddler, and as a child exhibited highly developed visual perceptual skills while his language skills took longer to develop. Art provided a medium for sharing his thoughts and feelings, helping him relate to his classmates and teachers, according to a book shop statement announcing the exhibit.He enrolled in art classes at Silvermine Art Center, and entered his work in local art shows, often earning top prizes. After graduating from high school as an art honor society member, Geer attended classes at Norwalk Community College and graduated in 2023 with an associate’s degree in graphic design.Geer now has a career as a working artist, which includes creating art for Team Woofgang & Co., a nonprofit that provides job training for young adults with disabilities. He designs notecards and prints for Woofgang, and is designing a poster, tee-shirt and other artwork for Woofgang’s upcoming benefit gala.
Ranvir Sharma, known as Ronnie to family and friends, was diagnosed with autism when he was two and a half years old, and although he remained non-verbal, showed an interest in letters and numbers. His mother encouraged that interest to help him learn new concepts and to communicate. During a 2018 family trip to India, Ronnie met a professional calligrapher, who developed classes for him and encouraged his interest in forming letters in artistic ways.After returning to Connecticut, Ronnie’s elementary school teachers recognized his artistic talents and suggested he enter a competition hosted by the SoNo Library with a theme of “Inclusion.” After winning the competition, he was inspired to submit his art to other competitions and media outlets, and last October he was awarded first place for his age group in a Cricket magazine art contest.
Now a sixth-grader, Ronnie takes art classes at Silvermine Art Center, and aspires to become a Hollywood animator. He proudly describes himself as “beautifully different,” according to the book shop announcement.
For more information about the exhibit, visit the Westport Book Shop website or call 203-349-5141.
