HANDS in Autism, an Interdisciplinary Training and Resource Center is hosting Spectrum of Art as a fundraiser and an opportunity for the community to come together in support of autism.
Dr. Naomi Swiezy, Director of HANDS in Autism Interdisciplinary Training and Resource Center, said, “Our center is really about helping individuals, families and care providers to have information they need to be most effective in working to provide the highest potential for those on the spectrum.”
Dr. Swiezy understands the importance of merging communities and is working hard to bridge all the different Autism systems so that those involved are sharing similar information and are on the same page in terms of best practices. She said, “The event is to help support this work and to allow folks to have more access to this information we are providing.”
The hope is to provide community education and really highlight the positives of individuals who are on the spectrum. Most people only know the challenges of these individuals functioning in everyday life, but there are a lot the individuals can do to positively contribute to society.
The Spectrum of Art is a community wide event. A callout has been made to those who create artwork that may be categorized under one of the following categories: fine art, mixed media, photography, or digital media. Those who would like to submit original artwork or prints of original artwork are invited to display their work at the gallery by Aug. 22.
Those who attend the event will enjoy a gallery of art accompanied by a booklet that will guide them through the art itself. Dr. Swiezy said, “This will really give them a sense of the individuals behind the art. It’s not necessarily about the beauty of the art but about the individuals and families.” There will be stories of the inspiration behind the art for attendees to connect to all involved.
“A part of this is that we really do believe that it takes full communities to be able to support individuals and families through funding and awareness so part of doing this event is bringing it to the grassroots and helping facilitate more community help,” Dr. Swiezy said.
The event is Aug. 30 from 5 to 9 p.m. pm at the Art Splash Gallery on 111 W. Main St., Ste. 140. The Art Show, Silent Auction, and cocktails will be from 6 to 9 p.m. at $50 per person. The VIP Showing and cocktails will be from 5 to 6 p.m. with dinner at Donatello’s from 6 to 8 p.m. at $75 per person. All proceeds will be used to support scholarships and programming for individuals and families with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
