Art exhibition to benefit artist's son

CHAMPAIGN – A Champaign father whose 5-year-old son has cerebral palsy is selling his artwork to raise funds for special equipment for his son.

In an exhibition called "Downtown Champaign in Vivid Color," Michael Downs is showing at the Old Vic Art Gallery, 11 E. University Ave., C, paintings and drawings of downtown Champaign scenes. The opening reception will be from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday. There is no charge for admission. Michael Downs will be at the gallery from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; his son, Jack, will be there from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., "as his patience allows," his father said.

Also, Steve Meadows, a local musician, has volunteered his time to perform from 6 to 8 p.m. during the reception.

All proceeds from the sale of Downs' art will be used to buy a wheelchair van ramp for Michael, who was born prematurely with a Level 4 brain bleed and has epilepsy and cerebral palsy. His father will also try to raise money through commissions for artwork and from donations.

Jack's mother, Kara Downs, teaches English at Centennial High School while her husband stays home to care for Jack and their other son, Charlie, who was born healthy in June 2008.

The family is trying to raise money mainly for a new van and van equipment so they can continue to take Jack to occupational, speech and physical therapy at the Early Childhood Center and to other places.

"Jack is a strong, happy kid who loves life, adores getting out of the house, going to the grocery store, supervising Dad in the yard, and taking trips to the mall and to restaurants," his father said in a news release.

Donations may be sent to Jack Downs, 2617 Clayton Blvd., Champaign, IL 61822.

The Old Vic Art Gallery's regular hours are noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

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