Studio 659 in downtown Whiting is known for its unique exhibits, and a recent gallery opening, Art + Autism = ARTism, was definitely one-of-a-kind.
Sponsored by Northwest Indiana Mothers with Autistic Children (NWI MAC) Inc., spearheaded by Brittany Evans, and supported by Studio 659, the event featured 20 works of art created by those with autism. Evans created her organization out of necessity.
“When my son was diagnosed with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). I was looking for help, information, and support,” Evans said. “However, I couldn’t find much of anything, so I decided to make a support group on my own. That’s how NWI MAC was created in August 2016.”
The group’s mission statement is, “Autistic Moms on a mission to change the world for our children and provide support for our kids,” she added.
The 30 moms on the membership roll participate in expos around Northwest Indiana to help spread awareness of their group and offer help for mothers and their autistic children.
They also hold monthly informational meetings and give welcome baskets to new mothers who have recently received their child’s autistic diagnosis.
Evan’s son Levi entered one of the 20 paintings highlighting the gallery walls at the recent ARTism opening, alongside other works of art created by individuals, Bridges of Possibilities students, and also art students from Highland’s Dungarvin program.
Jeremy Boyer is the art instructor at Dungarvin. One of his students Ronald Logsdon entered four pencil sketches for ARTISM and Boyer attended the gallery opening to support his work.
“I just started the art classes last fall, and the students are doing really well,” Boyer said. “I was excited to hear about this particular gallery opening. There’s nowhere else that’s offered this opportunity for them.”
Future NWI MAC fundraisers are on the to-do agenda — the first one this year is participation in Whiting’s annual Garage Mahal event. Money received from the fundraisers go directly to the moms, according to Evans, which will be used toward various areas — welcome baskets, financial help for items that insurance does not cover, and more.
But the recent gallery reception was an exception. Almost all items were painted by autistic artists, with more than half sold within the first two hours of opening the doors.
“Twenty percent of each item sold goes to Studio 659 (also a nonprofit); and the other 80 percent goes to the artist. NWI MAC did not profit from this event,” Evans said.
The first thing visitors observed when entering the small studio on opening day of the exhibit was a piece drawn by Chicago youngster Rudolfo Campuzano, 8. It was one of the first pieces sold.
“It’s a poster about a movie I want to write,” Campuzano said, as he pointed out detailed forms that looked similar to science fiction characters. “I’ll use the money I made to buy supplies, so I can write the movie. And it will be soon, I already know how it will start.”
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, (ASD) refers to a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication, as well as by unique strengths and differences, according to the Autism Speaks website.
There is not one autism, but many types, caused by different combinations of genetic and environmental influences.
The term “spectrum” reflects the wide variation in challenges and strengths possessed by each person with autism.
The ARTism exhibit continues on display until May 27, 2017 at Studio 659, which is located at 1413 119th St. in downtown Whiting
For more information about Northwest Indiana Mothers of Autistic Children (NWI MAC) Inc., call Brittany Evans at (219) 973-3592, or email [email protected]
More Top Picks Black Plusdecker Bdccs20b
.Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.