The first time I walked through the doors of the Neighborhood Center of the Arts I was blown away. Totally blown away. Over the years I’ve watched other visitors have the same reaction. Because the art created there is raw. Authentic on a level you won’t find in an art school.
It is amazing.
I started working there shortly after that first visit. I teach mixed media three days each week. Been there nearly fifteen years.
I’m not there because of the money, trust me. This is a nonprofit that serves developmentally disabled adults, people who were either born with their genetic wires crossed or who suffered a life altering injury before their eighteenth birthday.
I’m there for them. Because I’ve learned to see beyond their disabilities. I’ve learned to see their abilities. I’ve learned to see them as people, like you and me.
Unfortunately, the rest of the world doesn’t see them that way. The state of California sees the most vulnerable among us as the most expendable. Our budget has been slashed over and over throughout the years.
We make due without raises. We scrounge for supplies. We’ve learned to make art out of damn near anything.
But there’s one client I haven’t been able to reach. I cannot tell you her name or show you her photograph due to confidentiality restrictions. But I do want to tell you about her as best I can without stepping over the privacy line.
She’s a young woman. Autistic. She spends her time in my class on the floor, half under a table. I put paper, paint and markers next to her on the floor. Somedays she’ll write on the paper, copying words from whatever reading material is handy. Some days she’ll paint. But none of this activity lasts longer than ten minutes. And that’s on a good day.
If I’m lucky. Some days she won’t do anything.
One day, in desperation, I pulled out my iPhone. I have it loaded with art apps because, well, why not? I’m an artist. I handed it to her and she immediately began exploring the apps. I was amazed at her intuitive grasp of the programs, some of which I haven’t even figured out yet.
The iPhone kept her busy for over an hour, until it was time to go. I was amazed. Totally. These are a couple of designs she made with an app called Type Drawing. She had to type the text, pick the colors and draw.
A few weeks later I brought in my iPad. Same reaction. It was as if someone had flipped on a switch. She lit up and immediately began exploring the possibilities. She wasn’t the woman hiding out from the world, she was a young woman interacting with something outside of herself.
It was an amazing transformation, one I’d dearly love to see continue. Because something like this can change a life.
But an iPad is completely out of our budget. I know, I’ve put in the request, spoken with the powers that be. So now I’m putting the seeds out into the universe. If any of you have a connection to Apple, or belong to a service organization looking for a project or want a tax write off or just have an iPad lying around that you’re not using…well, feel free to contact my boss, Amee M. ncadirector@nccn.net (530) 272-7287.
Because you never know where you’re going to find an angel.
I cannot send you an i pad or enough money to buy one. Though if i could i would in a split second. But i would be happy to donate what i can…or put up a piece of art for auction. I would love to help in some way. Your story is very touching. I hope you find your angels…(one with more money than me;) xokp
Thank you KP. I’ve been telling folks if they want to send $ they can write iPad on the check. As far as the art to auction, that would be wonderful. Our biggest fundraiser of the year is held in November using donated art with a bird theme. I’d like to see that taken expanded from the community setting to going on-line for greater exposure.
And now I have to go to work! xo
I add my best wishes to you in getting that for her!
I have a nephew who was born with cerebral palsy. Doctors, family, everyone insisted he be institutionalized. My sister was told he would not live to see his 12th birthday. He is now 52 and until recently supported himself with his art. His uncle took him under his “artistic wing” and began to show Kenneth how to mix colors etc. Despite his handicapping conditions, a paintbrush became quite a powerful tool in his gnarled little hands. Two of his paintings grace my walls and are among my favorite pieces of art. I know there is an ipad out there with your friend’s name on it. I am sending this on to everyone I think might have a connection. Please keep us posted. I know you will.
Thank you Caroline. The seeds have been planted. That’s a start.
Pam, You nephew is is the kind of person we serve. You’ve seen firsthand what art can do…. Our clients range in age from early twenties to mid seventies. Many of the older ones were raised in institutions. It’s so exciting to see their reactions to paychecks earned from the sale of their art.
Thanks so much for passing this along. As you said, somewhere out there is an iPad with her name on it. xo
what a wonderful story
if you get an auction set up i would be glad to do a piece of art unfortunately i don’t do birds or I haven’t done a bird yet that remotely looks like a bird but im willing to give it another try
I have artwork posted on my blog
http://www.mindlesswonders.blogspot.com
if i can help by doing a piece for a benefit auction for her ipad please let me know
Thank you Carolyn! The bird auction isn’t until November, that gives you plenty of time. ANything comes up sooner I’ll let you know. : )
hi susan,
my friend katie passed your blog on to me today (you had commented on a post she did regarding the non-profit art group i’m starting for children on the autism spectrum).
this is such a hugely inspirational and touching post and i’m so glad to have found you. i do not have any money to donate or an ipad (can’t even afford one for myself) but in the comments i see mention of a bird auction and i would like to contribute. where do i find more information on this?
you are such a blessing and have such a huge heart. so glad to have found you.
I’m so glad Katie passed along the link to you, Alicia. When I read your post I knew I had to make contact. Please feel free to leave a link to your post about the art program you’re developing for kids on the autism spectrum. I had it but don’t have a clue how to find it again. And please share my post with anyone who may benefit from the info, especially the video on Yellow Bird.
I’ll let you know about the bird auction. It’s not until November. Thanks! xo
Susan,
I’m so glad too! The link to my art program is: http://alteredbits.wordpress.com/2012/01/13/a-charitible-cause-art-fundraiser/ We’re off to a wonderful start!
I am going to do a blog post today and mention your needs for an iPad in it. I’ll email you once it’s up.
And yes, let me know about the bird auction — I definitely want to donate! Finn and I can work on something together.
xx
alicia
OK everybody–the link to Alicia’s project is up above. Just requires a little creativity and a little bit of your time to raise money for an art program for autistic kids. Check it out!
xo