Got a story to tell you. It’s about my new friend Alicia. We met online. On this very blog in fact. She read my post, Yellow Bird. It was a chance meeting of kindred spirits via the magic of the world wide web.
Alicia has a dream. Her ‘dreamiest dream’ is to open a non profit art center for kids with asperger’s syndrome and autism. Not just dreaming…she’s DOING. Because as the mother of a very special, very cool little kid who happens to be somewhere on the spectrum, she knows firsthand how art changes lives. Changes focus and attention.
She’s also an accomplished mixed media artist.
Right now the kids are working on her kitchen table. As soon as she finishes remodeling her garage into a studio they’ll meet there. And she can take more of them. You can read her blog for the details.
To help finance her dream Alicia opened an extra special etsy store, Mum and Finn where she creates paintings and all sorts of other cool stuff based on her son’s descriptions. There’s a monster doll there I’d give my right arm for. Her name is Eunice who traded her right arm for George’s intestines, she survived but he did not.
Something tells me young Finn did the naming.
Here’s the cool thing…one hundred percent of the profits from Mum and Finn go to finance the art center. One hundred percent.
Alicia’s got another project in the works, the Tallest Handmade Book in the World. Attention art peeps and anyone with an ounce of creativity…make a page or two or three and join the fun. The finished book will be auctioned off for a good cause. You can read all about it here.
Starting a non-profit isn’t easy. Let’s all spread the word and help Alicia’s dream come true. Let’s change some kids’ lives with art. Facebook Like, Tweet it on…share on whatever social network platforms you can.
Some very special kids will appreciate your help.
you, my sweet new friend, are a gem! thank you so very much for this wonderful post and for spreading the word. it warms my heart so much to know that there are people like you out there — fellow big-hearted folks who know first hand how much art can change lives (and focus and attention as you said!). i’m so glad that we’ve crossed paths.
there is no stopping our quests: my little art center, or “shack” as we fondly call it, and your quest for an iPad. i have some ideas for you but am going to be running out soon and won’t likely be back before 2. i will email you tonight or perhaps we can chat via phone this weekend. we are going to make ALL of this happen and more. i can feel it.
a big hug and many thanks do you — you’re the best!
xx
alicia
xx back atcha Alicia. Our paths crossed for a reason, of that I have no doubt. xo
thanks for sharing this beautiful goodness!
brings back such potent memories
of art spilling onto table
with my own special little people.
feeling my breath go soft and slow
just reading your words.
bravo to both of you bravehearts,
Jennifer
The doing is what makes the memories, eh Jennifer? Your own ‘special little people’ have their memories of that time too. xo
How wonderful to read how much you adore Alicia-as I do- and also meeting her through blogland! Isn’t her new Bug Shack for the kids great!! Will take a spin through your blog now! Thanks again!! Jill
Hi Jill! Yes, finding all sorts of kindred spirits in blogland. Thanks for dropping by.