For Fergus, who was diagnosed with autism when he was about 3 years old, this show was a big deal, his mom said.

“I know it’s Okemos library,” Onaga said. “This is not (the Museum of Modern Art); this is not the (Art Institute of Chicago); but it’s his own show.”

Disregarding a disability
Because of his autism, Fergus, who is 26 and still living at home, has difficulty performing some everyday tasks, such as cooking and expressing himself.

But Fergus doesn’t let his disability get in his way, Onaga said.

He takes weekly cooking classes in which he makes meals for his family. He also works as a custodian at Peckham, 3510 Capital City Blvd., in Lansing, which is a nonprofit organization that provides job training and employment to people with disabilities.

“(I work) just three days a week,” Fergus said. “I’m OK with three days.”

And Fergus takes art classes where he produces works such as those showcased in his current exhibit — works of art that are earning him attention.

Fergus’ art utilizes a wide range of colors and resembles the abstract expression of works done by Pablo Picasso.

His subjects range from people and animals to various locations throughout Greater Lansing, although the artist said he especially enjoys painting animals.

“I care about them a lot,” Fergus said.

Those who are familiar with Fergus’ art recognize and appreciate its distinctiveness.

“I think it’s fabulous because Scott has a unique, very individualized style,” said Zane Balks-Russell, a now-retired art teacher who works with Fergus. “It’s colorful, (and) it’s happy.”

Professor of photography Peter Glendinning, who has known Fergus since he was young, has commissioned multiple pieces from Fergus throughout the years. One piece in particular — a painting of his daughter and her friends — has a special place in Glendinning’s heart.

“I admire his ability to interpret others through his gestures and his lines and his choice of colors,” Glendinning said. “The portrait (I purchased) … has a lot of special meaning to me not only because of who it shows but also because of the artist.”

A special bond
Onaga said her son’s interest in art began at a young age when he started drawing stick figures during his spare time.

While studying at Okemos High School, 2800 Jolly Road, in Okemos, Fergus took an art class with Balks-Russell, and from there, he began developing his skills.

Before and after Balks-Russell’s art class, Fergus spent time in his school’s resource room where he was taught the rest of his classes.

“(His art class) was probably one of the only classes where he was included,” Onaga said.

Out of all the people his art has brought him in contact with, Onaga said he has connected most with Balks-Russell.

“We truly never have had a conflict or disagreement,” Balks-Russell said. “I think the reason … is that I’m very respectful to him, and in return, he’s very respectful to me.”

For about four years, Balks-Russell has been coming to Fergus’ home on a weekly basis to give him art lessons.

“I try not to change his style (because) I am very concerned that his art is authentic,” Balks-Russell said. “I simply expose him to new ideas, new techniques (and) new subject matter.”

Fergus and his teacher often visit local art galleries and Potter Park Zoo, as well as go out to lunch with each other.

“I see him as a friend,” Balks-Russell said. “And I think he considers me a friend too.”

Art as therapy
Through his artwork, Fergus has been able to become an active member of his community, which is something Onaga said not everyone with autism is capable of doing.

“It has helped give him an identity that is more than having autism, so that’s a very good blessing,” she said.

Mary Wrigley, who is a longtime friend of Onaga’s, has a grandson with autism who she said has not made nearly as much progress as Fergus and always will be confined to an assisted living home.

As she has gotten to know Fergus throughout the years, she said she has noticed a significant change in his personality.

“If you watch him, he’s talking to people, and if you know anything about autism, that’s rare,” she said. “He’s become so much more social because of (his art).”

Many people who suffer from autism struggle to communicate effectively with others, but painting has provided Fergus with an alternative means of communication, Balks-Russell said.

“He can communicate with the public in a nonverbal way,” she said. “It’s hard for him to articulate verbally, but through his artwork, he can speak volumes.”

Eventually, Onaga said she hopes Fergus’ work will be popular enough to allow Fergus to support himself after she is gone.

“It’s nice to have his art in different places,” she said. “If his art is all over the world, isn’t that wonderful that people are looking at it and appreciating it?”