Special to The Observer

Jeremy Chosa, who is 31 years old, has been a quadriplegic since a tractor accident crushed his neck three years ago.

Unable to move his limbs, Chosa holds pens, pencils and brushes in his mouth to create his art. This show will be the first public exhibit of the work that sustains his spirit.

Meet the artist at the opening reception May 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., when Jeremy will demonstrate his technique.

A fundraiser dinner will be held at the Walatowa Visitor Center that day from noon to 5 p.m.

The proceeds will go to help build an accessible studio for the artist near his parents’ home.

The Walatowa Visitor Center is located on NM 4, six miles north of US 550. From Rio Rancho, take NM 528 to US 550, then drive west about 26 miles to NM 4 in San Ysidro and turn right.

Chosa has had to learn patience and perseverance while rebuilding his life since the accident.

Chosa spent two months at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center.

Then he was transferred to Albuquerque Rehabilitation Center for therapy, where he relearned how to eat, swallow and speak.

It was also there that he first experimented with drawing by holding a pencil in his teeth.

When a therapist saw a drawing and liked it, a nurse set up a cardboard easel, brushes and medicine cups at Jeremy’s bedside.

An artist was born.

After spending one-and-a-half-years in a long-term care facility, the young man is now living independently with help from his parents, Erna and Will Wilson, sister Lynette Wilson, aunt Zona Colateta, friend Laura Fragua and others.

Chosa is currently a student at Central New Mexico Community College where he is studying liberal arts before choosing a career path. A new voice-activated laptop computer helps him write papers, take exams, and keep up with paperwork.

“People always say ‘everything happens for a reason,’” he says. “Now I believe it might be true. I discovered a gift I might not have known I had … Even if bad things happen, don’t give up. You just have to keep on living.”

The Walatowa Visitor Center at Jemez Pueblo will exhibit drawings and paintings by Jeremy Chosa from May 23 through August.