Practicing the art of making friends in Art for Autism program

By Marta Witko

For children with autism, mastering the art of communication is a work in progress, but the Thompson Center’s Art for Autism program provides another outlet of self-expression over the program’s three-week sessions each fall and spring.

Last week, a new group of children completed several art projects, and formed friendships, with the help of Access Arts instructors and volunteers from the Thompson Center.

“I’ve really enjoyed seeing the transformation from when the kids first met, to where they are now,” said Caroline Painter, one of the instructors. “They really went from doing their own thing to having in-depth conversations, mostly about Minecraft, and they bonded over a mutual love of art and video games.”

Instructors guided the children through projects such as turkey masks with watercolor leaves for the younger group and ceramic work for the older kids, who made pizza plates and napkin holders.

Joey Ryder, 7, who had never taken an art class before, has always been very creative and had a passion for art, said his mother, Dawn Ryder.

“It’s given Joey a great outlet, and it’s been very therapeutic for him to unleash his creative energy into art,” Ryder said. “He’s always displayed creativity and since art is something he really loves, he’s looking forward to the next session in the spring.”

Art for Autism also offers a preview of classes available at Access Arts, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide creative learning experiences for everyone. Access Arts hosts various workshops throughout the year and offers weekly classes for all ages and abilities.

At the conclusion of each session, participants typically donate one piece of art that will be sold or auctioned at events and traveling exhibits throughout the year to support the program.

“Art for Autism is an opportunity to give kids with autism a fun, inclusive experience in a creative exercise,” said Thompson Center Development Coordinator Miriam Cullimore, who organizes the event. “We make it happen each semester with the generosity of our partner Access Arts and community supporters.”

Adrienne Cornwall contributed to this story. Photos by Marta Witko.

Visit our Events page for opportunities to view and purchase works in the traveling Art for Autism exhibit.