'I am, how it feels to be me' Art Exhibition - January 2011

Sharon Malpass thought, after watching her daughter express herself through drawing, that it would be a great idea to organise a small Art Exhibition.

Sharon discussed the idea with a group of parents who all had girls on the autism spectrum and then approached the City of Salisbury who were very pleased to be able to support the wonderful exhibition, providing girls living in the north and north eastern suburbs with an opportunity to display their artistic expression.  

Steve Davidson from City of Salisbury preparing the paintings for hanging

This Exhibition, which was very proudly support by the City of Salisbury and sponsored by Rainbowland Autism Services has provided the girls involved with a very important opportunity to showcase their talents and to express who they are through art.  Children with autism don’t often get these special opportunities. Holding events like this is essential for growing confidence and self belief and to provide avenues for individuals to reach their potential in life. The Art Exhibition is also a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness about girls on the spectrum, which the community knows very little about. 

On Thursday 27th January, the Art Exhibition official opening was a huge success.  The event was attended by 

• Kelly Vincent – State Member of the Legislative Council
• Mark Butler – Federal Member for Port Adelaide
• Tony Zappia – Federal Member for Makin
• Frances Bedford – State Member for Florey
• Betty Gill - Councillor: City of Salisbury

A big congratulations to all the wonderful girls who submitted their art for this amazing and inspiring exhibition. 

Holly-anne, Kristie, Lucy, Jenna, Lily, Zoe, Charlotte, Isobel and Jessica.

This event was very proudly sponsored by Rainbowland Autism Serviceswww.rainbowlandautismservices.com

     

     Holly-anne receiving her certificate

Kristie receiving her certificate

Below you will find all the wonderful art work on display at The Mawson Centre, Mawson Lakes (South Australia). 

Holly-anne - aged 7 "The Inner Star"

Holly-anne - aged 7 "The Robot"

Holly-anne - aged 7 "Water"

Kristie - aged 12 "Michael Jackson"

Kristie - aged 12 "Miku"

Kristie - aged 12 "Miku"

Lucy - aged 9 "My Head"

Lucy - aged 9 "This is Me"

Jenna - aged 7 "Happy Land"

Jenna - aged 7 "Holidays"

Lily - aged 8 "I Love My Dog"

Lily - aged 8 "Mosquito"

Zoe - aged 7 "Egyptian"

Zoe - aged 7 "I Love Rainbows"

Charlotte - aged 7 "Favourite Activities"

Charlotte - aged 7 "Home"

Charlotte - aged 7 "Charlotte Playing"

Isobel - aged 7 "Butterfly Friends"

Isobel - aged 7 "The Little Mermaid"

Jessica - aged 7 "Being Happy"

Jessica - aged 7 "Me"

Autism Poem ~ Rainbows in a row By Erik Estabrook

This poem was inspired by the Autism Rainbow Day - Global Awareness Campaign

I am lucky

I see rainbows,

you are lucky to have seen one

Autism Rainbow Day - Friday 1st April 2011

but'  I see rainbows in a row

this one has a pattern that shines magenta bright,

the next one has colors lemon yellow,

they shine for understanding,

they shine for love

they shine with a glow that brightens over the sun

what's extra special is these rainbows can care

they just need you to learn

 listen and be aware

we are shining brightly because one may always show,

just open your heart

feel your spark,

and let your rainbow glow!

by Erik Estabrook

Erik Estabrook

Erik Estabrook biography (published on www.naturallyautistic.com)

Erik Estabrook is autistic and a young aspiring poet that writes for purity, purity of expression and the value of life. He is joyful about the fact that he has an international audience and isn’t just writing to himself. His best expressions are yet to come, even after being published over 60 times, and having authored 5 published poetry books.

Erik Estabrook, Poet & contributing writer Naturally Autistic International online newsletter

Erik wants to add a beautiful touch to the world, poetry is his way of fixing the planets’ problems. He enjoys community advocacy and volunteering. Writing has provided a window to his own soul and increased his relationship with God.  In the future with his writing he hopes to touch lives and increase autism awareness.

Erik is self-taught and not afraid to try any poetry form.  He had found the cinquain and villanelle to be 2 of his favorite forms.  In his words, “They allow an entirely new perspective and should be respected because they make poetry even more diverse.  When you get one right there’s no feeling like it. Getting one right to me means you add your way to the form.”

When asked what he enjoys most he says, “… a peaceful life with my family and volunteering brings me peace of mind with time to help others.”

You can learn more about Erik Estabrook by visiting his website at:http://www.erikestabrook.com/

You can read about Erik’s journey as a young emerging and very talented poet in the Premiere Issue of Naturally Autistic magazine – Fall 2010.www.naturallyautistic.com

Kelly & Wyatt Green Launch AutismHWY.cocm

  

Kelly Green is the mother of a very sweet almost 12 year old non-verbal autistic boy. She is super excited to ANNOUNCE the creation of a very special website!!...AutismHWY.com!! At AutismHWY.com people that are living on and around the spectrum can log~on and seek out friendships with like-minded individuals. Please, take a look at their Promo Video here on their Youtube channel!  http://www.youtube.com/user/autismhwy

AutismHWY.com provides FREE MEMBERSHIPS! Affording you the space to share your thoughts, photos and videos with friends you enjoy. There are fun games to play and a forum to reach out to others on issues you choose. Articles and Event submissions will be continually coming in to keep everyone informed and up to date on our the interesting and ever-evolving A.S.D. world!! 

Kelly began working on AutismHWY.com way back in April of 2009. A lot of time, thought and effort has been put in to making it a fun, beautiful and informative environment for everyone to create their own FUN, friendship network!! Click here to read more about that!

http://autismhwy.com/aboutus.php

I hope that you will become a member of AutismHWY.com and share with your social networks.  Please help to spread the word! 

Visit the AutismHWY.com website

Join AutismHWY.com on Facebook

Email Kelly

Email AutismHWY.com  

Our YouTube Channel

RAS has a YouTube channel where various videos are posted for autism awareness and advocacy.  The channel videos also provide an insight into how we are raising our children who are all on the autism spectrum.

Today we uploaded videos of our sons, Jacob and Aaron, who at 4 years of age experienced the joy and spirit of Christmas for the first time, while playing dress up with their sister Kristie.  Up until Christmas 2008, they didn't appear to be interested in the presents and certainly didn't understand what the day was all about.

The concept of Santa wasn't clear to them until Christmas 2009, where they finally understood that Santa brings children gifts on Christmas morning and you have loads of fun opening them.

Click here to go to the Rainbowland Autism Services Inc. YouTube Channel.