The Social Living Club with Bittersweet at Betty's Farm has partnered with Awakening Minds Art to offer painting classes to adolescents and adults with autism.
The six week painting series begins with an introductory class on art and will end with the students own canvas masterpiece to take home. The Social Living Club hopes the classes will get students to try the new activity on their own in the community just like past programs.
"We've had a guy from the yoga sessions say he has went and tried a yoga session at the local Y so that's really exciting," said Natalie Reynolds, Community Outreach Specialist at Bittersweet Farms.
"It is a wonderful program, especially for kids that are on the spectrum, it gives a great way for them to be able to express themselves through art, a lot of my former students when I worked in an autism unit were non verbal so it was a great way for them to be able to express themselves," said Awakening Minds Art Instructor, Jayne Hilvers.
The program does much more than provide the students with a fun activity, for some, it's changed their whole outlook.
"We had a student here earlier tonight that would not talk to anyone and he actually now gets up in front of people and talks, he does go to my church so I've seen him get up in front of the church and read scripture he would of never done if he hadn't had Bittersweet and Awakening Minds Art, " commented Jayne Hilvers. Jayne also talked about how it gives them self confidence and makes them feel like a part of society, they set goals and work with them on color identification, sitting for long periods of time and help following directions.
The volunteers help make the program what it truly is, touching the lives of students and creating bonds that will last a lifetime.
Awakening Minds Art will be kicking off Autism Awareness month on Saturday, April 2nd, hosting their very own art show at the Meeting Place from 1 to 3 PM. Art work from the students will be displayed and they will be recognized for their amazing talents.
