FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, Oct. 18, 2007
Contact: Dave Wellman, Director of Communications (304) 696-7153
 

‘Art of Autism’ on exhibit at Marshall University Oct. 29 through Nov. 2

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – “The Art of Autism,” a traveling exhibition featuring 30 works by child and adult artists with autism, will be on display Monday, Oct. 29 through Friday, Nov. 2 at Marshall University’s Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center on the Huntington campus. Viewing hours are 1 to 5 p.m. and the exhibition is free to the public.

The exhibit includes a video produced in western Pennsylvania featuring children with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), their parents and educators.

Hosted by the West Virginia Autism Training Center at Marshall University, the exhibit will open with a reception in the performing arts center lobby from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 29. Presentations on autism and artists with autism will take place at 4:30 p.m. in the center’s Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre. Refreshments will be served in the lobby after the presentations.

The paintings, limited edition prints and pastel drawings of the show help “build a bridge of awareness to the world of autism,” said Prism Gallery coordinator Vallene Weeda.

“They illustrate the common thread of creative expression existing in all people.  Creative expression allows everyone to elegantly say without words, ‘I exist and I’m a lot like you!’” said Weeda, who travels with the show throughout Pennsylvania and surrounding areas. “Creative expression is a primary building block for healthy emotional and intellectual development, and is the foundation for everything we do with Prism Gallery.”

Dr. Barbara Becker-Cottrill, executive director of the West Virginia Autism Training Center, said art and music can be among the strengths of individuals with autism spectrum disorders.  “Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability occurring in about one in 150 births,” Becker-Cottrill said. “We hope the exhibit will also promote greater public awareness.”

The Prism Gallery is part of an Autism Initiative undertaken by Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School and the National Network of Digital Schools. The initiative focuses on raising awareness, curriculum development, teacher training and support for students with autism and their families.

Agencies, schools, businesses and other organizations interested in hosting “The Art of Autism” may contact Weeda at (724) 777-8973.

More information about Prism Gallery is available at www.prismgallery.org and www.nndsonline.org.

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