Arts Council to feature artists on the autism spectrum

Bradley Blair always wanted to bring the images on his computer screen to life.

The 15-year-old, who is on the autism spectrum, would ask his mother, Paula, to draw pictures of characters and images in the games he played rather than printing out copies. Paula eventually taught Bradley how to draw the characters himself, which sparked an interest in art that’s allowed Bradley to be more creative and open in his daily life.

Bradley’s work will be displayed along with 16 other artists with autism at the Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana for the Art of Autism Exhibit. Thirty pieces will be on display beginning Thursday at the Bower-Suhrheinrich Foundation Gallery in Downtown Evansville. The exhibit runs through Oct. 27 with an opening reception from 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday at the gallery.

The exhibit, in partnership with the Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center and the ARC of Evansville, is in conjunction with the Art and Science of Autism Spectrum Conference presented by St. Mary’s Center for Children. Sandy Bowersox, a pediatric psychologist at St. Mary’s assisting with the event, said the art show component helps bring a face to a diagnostic label.

“We see autism spoken about technically, and we hear statistics about it that mostly have to do with research and treatment,” Bowersox said. “We thought the show could bring a kind of human spirit to autism.”

In addition to viewing the work of the artists, the opening reception will also include a lecture from Mark Osteen, a professor of English at Loyola University. Osteen has a son on the autism spectrum and has published 10 books including “One of Us: A Family’s Life with Autism.” Osteen will discuss his personal experience with autism.

The Arts Council was thrilled to take part in the conference through the exhibit. Anne McKim, executive director of the Arts Council, said the organization had once hosted a similar exhibit and has wanted to host another for quite some time. She added that the gallery is meant to be an open and accessible space for all artists and people to enjoy and take part in.

“We really believe that art is an equalizer and that everybody can participate in the creation of art,” she said. “This exhibit is another excellent opportunity to empower people to be part of the community and showcase their creativity.”

Although drawing is his favorite medium of art, Bradley has taken a liking to painting with water colors and acrylic. He is currently in mneme therapy, which works on communication skills, following directions and interactions through artwork.

Paula said the exhibit is a form of positive awareness that doesn’t only focus on the hardships associated with autism.

“It is great whenever positive stories are out there so people can see how much like everyone else these kids are,” she said. “The exhibit shows exactly what they can do and how they contribute to the community. There needs to be more opportunities like this one.”

If You Go

What: Art of Autism Exhibit opening reception

When: 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday

Where: Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana, 318 Main St.

Tickets: Free and open to the public