Awards Reception: April 3, 2018, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
In this exhibition, autistic artists use art to express themselves and as a way to bring up
conversation with others. An individual’s autism may affect the way they perceive the world and their ability to communicate. The arts – visual and written, as in poetry, are a way for autistic individuals to express the way they view and experience the world.
Autism can affect the ability to communicate via speech. The arts provide the perfect vehicle for communication, storytelling, and sharing sensory perceptions. Art is also a powerful teaching and therapeutic tool to improve fine and gross motor skills, expand communication and allow opportunities for collaborative learning with peers.
We have brought together some individual artists, Spencer Kinsolving Willmann, George Thigpen and Angel Torres, as well as clients from the Growing Kids Therapy Center (link to website). A community project of 1,000 paper cranes (Senbazuru) will be a main feature of the exhibit.
“Art is important because it allows Spencer to express who he is – it tells people that being
autistic is an amazing thing -- when Spencer brought his sunflower painting home in the 1st
grade, the colors screamed out a message: "Mommy, I'm here!!" says Kathleen Kinsolving.
This exhibit is in April which is nationally recognized as Autism Acceptance Month. We wish to encourage everyone to treat autistic people with respect and to gather accurate information about autism and autistic people. Autism is a natural variation of the human experience, and we can all create a world which values, includes, and celebrates all kinds of minds. Here at Arts Herndon we feel art in all its forms can encourage the acceptance of diversity.
Event Details: On Display April 3, 2018 – April 21, 2018. The Opening Reception will be held
on Saturday, April 7, 2018, 5-7 pm. Some of the art will be available for purchase. For more
information on the exhibit and artists or to purchase sponsorships please visit our website at
ArtSpaceHerndon.com.
Other Events surrounding this exhibit include:
- Saturday, March 17 th from 11am – 4pm, 1000 Cranes folding day
- Friday, 4/6 Open Mic Night from 7-9pm. Music & Poetry – inclusive event
- Tuesday, 4/10, 7pm Town Council Proclamation for Autism Awareness Month
- Movie Night – date/time to be determined
- Saturday, 4/21 Crys Matthews Concert 7pm
