Local artist Jason Ridgeway has opened a gallery in Frederickton

Jason, who is also known as 'BlackBoyCreations', has gone from strength to strength this year, after designing the Sydney Roosters jersey for the NRL Indigenous round, to then being nominated as a finalist for the National Capital Art Prize.

He said he was taken aback by how much interest he had been getting recently, as art was initially just a creative outlet for him.

Mr Ridgeway is a proud Dunghutti man. He says he loves and cherishes his culture and hope to pass on all he has learned, and continues to learn, on to the next generation.

"With my artworks, I usually do my own experiences, unless there are stories that I've been told about," he said.

Some of the stories shared through his art have been passed down from his grandparents and their brothers and sisters, Mr Ridgeway said.

He also creates murals, surfboards and other custom artworks.

"I left work about three years ago to help out with the wife and kids, and then started painting, and people started getting interested, and I started liking everything that I was producing, " Jason said.

"I honestly didn't think the shop would be coming anytime soon, but here we are."

Although Jason has been painting for years, he said over the past six months his career has gained serious momentum.

His Facebook page now has 11,000 followers, and he receives orders for art from all over Australia.

He is selling a range of different artworks, mugs, cards and clothing which you can either purchase at the gallery or online.

"Come on down for a chat, have a coffee and a browse," Jason said.

Jason is hoping to do an official launch for the exhibition in the new year.

The gallery is located at 1-5 Remembrance Way, Frederickton, open on weekdays from 10am - 4pm.

Check out his Facebook page: Blackboycreations and his Instagram @Blackboycreations.

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