The Empty Space theater held a celebration of their art exhibit entitled “When I Was Young…III” displaying the works of Jason T. Stewart on Sept. 9.

The artist was present at the event, which began at 2 p.m. and provided free candy to fit into the theme of remembering one’s childhood. The art pieces featured characters from comic books, television shows, books, and movies geared towards children. “I’m just a big little kid,” said Stewart. “I just like cartoons and I like comic books … I like kids’ stuff and I like really simple, but bold art stylings as well.”

Although Stewart primarily used acrylic paint pens for the cartoon-style paintings on display, he is self-taught in paint and finds it a frustrating medium. “My background for art is just drawing, like just pencil and pen and paper. If I could do that, that’s what I would do.”

Every art piece was full of color, with the exception of a batman painting, which was all black on a white background.

“I like black and white. I’m a huge fan,” said Stewart when discussing the detailed painting. “I would have done the whole show that way, except for that thing made my hand not work for two days. That was a lot of work.”

Stewart prefers making digital art, where mistakes can be easily rectified, and he discussed regrets in his acrylic paintings and what he wishes he could do differently.

“I don’t know that any artist is ever happy … I get a little bit happier when somebody buys it,” he said with a laugh. “It’s not all about the money, but you’re always happier if somebody wants to own it.”

The exhibit, which included characters such as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Harry Potter, and Eleven from the show “Stranger Things,” was also inspired by the art styles of Scottie Young, Humberto Ramos, and Chris Bachalo.