WISCASSET

As an artist, Barbara Welborn believes her autism allows her to do what she does so well: paint unique and whimsical portraits of cats from a perspective all her own. What’s more, she wants to inform others on the autism spectrum that they, too, can do whatever they put their minds to.

Welborn will be stationed at Beelicious Market in Wiscasset for this Thursday’s Art Walk, showing off her work and taking a stand for those with autism.

“I saw some of Barbara’s paintings a few weeks ago and almost fell off my feet,” said Lucia Droby, art walk coordinator. “They are very cool, and I think she is very talented. She credits her autism for giving her a unique perspective on the world.”

Welborn’s mother, Kimberly Welborn, said her daughter has always embraced her disorder.

“She tells me that autism is her special talent,” said Kimberly. “We always do everything we can to get information on autism out there because there are so many people who are uninformed.”

Barbara attends art workshops at both Spindleworks in Brunswick and SpinOff in Gardiner, but is constantly honing her skills at home, too. Last Christmas, the idea to paint cats in watercolor presented itself, and Barbara hasn’t stopped since.

“My Aunt Gale has a daughter and she wanted me to paint her cats,” said Barbara.

In a picture she sent Barbara, the two cats had bow ties on and that’s what gave her the idea to paint them whimsically.

Some of the work Barbara will have on display during the art walk depicts cats at an award show, cats in a flower garden, a cat dressed like a beekeeper and cats in a classic American Girl setting, the latter of which is still in its beginning stages.

Barbara has a cat named Jett at home, but she hasn’t painted his portrait as of yet.

She agrees that her autism has inspired her art and her way of life.

“It’s what makes me unique,” Barbara said.

She grew up in Anchorage, Alaska, and moved to Maine six years ago. Her mother grew up in Wiscasset and wanted to get back to her Maine roots.

“I finished high school here, which was nice,” Barbara said, remarking with a smile that she loves Maine, but there are two things she has yet to see that match up with Alaska: “Mountains and moose.”

Wherever they have lived, Kimberly has always felt the need to foster her daughter’s art.

“Since Barbara was about 3 she told me she wanted to be an artist,” said Kimberly. “I’ve done everything I can to make that a possibility.”

In addition to paintings, Barbara does sculpting, weaving and woodworking, and creates such novelties as embroidered pillows, bracelets and birdhouses.

“Her dream is to paint a cat picture for Kate Winslet,” Kimberly said.

“She’s my favorite actress,” said Barbara. “I’m just a huge fan of ‘Titanic.’”

For now, she’ll continue to paint portraits for friends, family and local residents alike, and display them at local exhibits like the Wiscasset Art Walk and various Spindleworks shows.

“I’m working on two more for my friend from Spindleworks right now,” said Barbara. “She wants me to paint them as characters in ‘Alice in Wonderland.’ I feel like lately I’ve been taking my art to the next level.”

Barbara’s exhibit will be on display at Beelicious Market from 5-8 p.m. during this Thursday’s Art Walk in Wiscasset. For more information, visit wiscassetartwalk.org.

bgoodridge@timesrecord.com

• BARBARA WELBORN’S exhibit will be on display at Beelicious Market from 5-8 p.m. during this Thursday’s Art Walk in Wiscasset. For more information, visit wiscassetartwalk.org.