autistic artistic a life ahead

April 2 – June 1, 2012Art exhibition featuring artists on

the autism spectrum sponsored by Johns Hopkins University and

Madison House Autism Foundation

MADISON HOUSE

AUTISM FOUNDATION

JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY MONTGOMERY COUNTY PRESENTS

AUTISTIC.ARTISTIC. A LIFE AHEAD.

The show is on display in both galleries: Café space in the A&R Building &

The Lobby of the 9605 Building

AUTISTIC.ARTISTIC. A LIFE AHEAD.Autism Spectrum Disorders, which can be accompanied by both exceptional talents and severe impairments, are complex intellectual and developmental disorders involving social and communications diffi culties. Through the exhibit, Madison House Autism Foundation seeks to offer individuals on the spectrum an opportunity to share their artistic expressions and raise awareness in the broader community of the challenges, unique talents, and sometimes, overwhelming barriers adults with autism face in trying to survive in a world that doesn’t fully understand or accommodate them.

According to JaLynn Prince, founder of Madison House Autism Foundation, 500,000 individuals with autism will turn 21 this decade, facing 60 years or more with little hope for housing, employment, continuing education, or social support outside of the family. Prince, who was named as a National Mother of the Year in 1999 and who has a 22-year old son on the spectrum, created the Foundation to provide guidance, hope, and support for adults with autism and their families.

Autistic. Artistic. A Life Ahead. Johns Hopkins University and Madison House Autism Foundation

Robert Blackiston Stretch of Love|Acrylic on canvas / $150

Robert Blackiston has been an artist at the St. John’s Community Services ART Options program for seven years. Through the ART Options program, he enjoys swimming, visiting the Smithsonian (especially the National Gallery of Art), going to the library, working out at Gold’s Gym, and, most of all, painting. He is extremely proud to have sold many paintings. A 2005 graduate of Anacostia High School, Robert grew up in Washington, DC, with his mom, dad, uncle, aunt, and grandfather. When he is not painting, he enjoys spending time in the snowy mountains and looking at street lights and buildings. He also likes roller coasters, sculptures, sailboats, doctor’s offi ces, racing, and using exercise equipment. He hopes to one day live in his own apartment.

Mona Brooks Mona Brooks Self-Portrait|Multi-media on canvas / Not for Sale

Mona Catherine Brooks is 19 years old. She spent her childhood in Bangladesh as an expatriate, attended British Primary School and returned to United States in eighth grade to attend the Baltimore Lab School, a division of the Washington Lab School, where she graduated in 2012. Mona has spent time traveling with her family in Southeast Asia, Dubai and Netherlands, and spent her childhood summers in the United Kingdom attending Baha’i summer schools and strings camps. Mona is both a visual artist and a musician with a certifi cate from Peabody Preparatory for advanced viola and intermediate piano. In spring 2011, Mona was accepted to McDaniel College where she was granted a gap year. She is now taking this time to prepare for her transition to college in several programs that strengthen academic and organizational skills and provide additional social skills training.


Colleen Creedon City Gaze|water base oils and paint pens / $85 GWB Abstract|water base oils and paint pens / $85 Tree Pose|water base oils / $90

Colleen Creedon is an artist with the Arts Unbound program in Orange, NJ. She credits the Arts Unbound program with helping her to become positively engaged in a social network of artists. Art is a healing part of her life and she says it provides her with a source of comfort and creative expression and helps her improve her self-esteem.

Brendan Cunningham A Crate Way to Spend an Afternoon oil on canvas / $1,250


Matt Daisey The Rose|framed photograph / $40 The Blossom Fest|framed photograph / $100

Matt Daisey is an artist with Community Services for Autistic Adults and Children. He is very talented in capturing the artistic quality of his subject. His photographs are truly a work of art and show the fi ne details. Matt enjoys photographing plants and fl owers.

Brian Depenbrock Magnolias|framed photograph / $40 Blossoms and more|framed photograph / $100

Brian Depenbrock is an artist with Community Services for Autistic Adults and Children. Brian is a natural at photographing landscape style shots. He knows how to angle the camera to ensure the subject shows its natural beauty. Brian enjoys capturing the fi ne detail of the subject matter.

Autistic. Artistic. A Life Ahead. Johns Hopkins University and the Madison House Autism Foundation

Christopher M. GauthiérEvidence and Artifacts: Facing Autism Charisse Byrd 20 in. x 20 in. Giclée Photographic Print / $1275

Madeline Gauthiér 20 in. x 20 in. Giclée Photographic Print / $1275

Dr. Temple Grandin, Ph.D. 20 in. x 20 in. Giclée Photographic Print / $1275

Christopher M. Gauthiér is an actively exhibiting artist teaching Fine Art Photography at Utah State University. He holds a MFA from Ohio University in photography and received a BA from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL. His work can be found in the permanent collections of the Mississippi Museum of Art; Webster University, The Netherlands; Koltsovo Airport, Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation and in private collections nationally and internationally. Autism advocacy became a personal imperative when he became aware of the link between his environmental concerns and his children’s autism. He is currently in the middle of a photographic project, “Evidence and Artifacts: Facing Autism,” some of the pictures from which are displayed in this show. He can be found online at http://www.christophergauthier.com.


Michelle Gavin City Scape|water base oils / $150

Michelle Gavin is an artist with the Arts Unbound program in Orange, NJ. This single mother completed a bachelor’s degree in art history while working full time. She is extremely appreciative to the Arts Unbound program for welcoming her with open arms and accepting her for who she is. She loves being able to continue her love of art by exploring her creativity as an artist and teacher assistant.

John J. Hodgson PG110003|acrylic on canvas / $625 PG110006|acrylic on canvas / $625 PG100010|acrylic on canvas / $1125

John Hodgson began creating art in the fall of 2007. He developed unique painting techniques while working with several art instructors, including his current teacher, Baris Gokturk. John’s work became public in July 2008 with an exhibit at the David M. Hunt Memorial Library in Falls Village, CT. Through his work, John shows that people on the autism spectrum, like himself, have so much to contribute to their communities. He has a website at www.parkbenchartist.com.


Cleon Jackson Improvisation|Acrylic on canvas / $130

Cleon Jackson has been an artist at the St. John’s Community Services ART Options program for seven months where he enjoys learning new things. Cleon has participated in group art shows throughout the DC region. A 2009 graduate from the C Melvin Sharpe Health Schools, Jackson grew up in Washington, DC. When he isn’t painting, he enjoys writing plays. He hopes to one day have his own business. His favorite artistic subjects are cats and dogs.

Derek Hollomon Live|Acrylic on canvas / $130

Derek Holloman has been an artist at the St. John’s Community Services ART Options program for seven months. Through the ART Options program he enjoys meeting new people, walking to museums and art galleries, going to Gold’s Gym, and painting. He hopes to work on a musical through the program. A 2005 graduate of Anacostia High School, Derek grew up in Washington, DC He has been in many group art shows around the DC region, and says his favorite was the Star Light Show in the Articulate Gallery. He likes math, reading, writing, and listening to the Chinese, Japanese, African, Italian, and Irish languages. While he enjoys drawing cats, dogs, apes, fi sh, birds, butterfl ies, and trees, he says his favorite art subjects are people.


Bruce Jackson City Night| water base oils and sharpie / $75

Bruce Jackson is an artist with the Arts Unbound program in Orange, NJ. He is the only child of a single parent household and used to spend many hours alone creating cartoon characters. Through Arts Unbound, he now paints new subjects and embraces new artistic styles and media. He learned to take public transportation to get to class and now has more independence and freedom in other areas of his life. Bruce once had diffi culty managing his anger. Now he shares his frustration in a manner that is no longer aggressive.

Bradlie Jackson Lighthouse|acrylic and sharpie on canvas board / $85 The Bridge|water base oils and paint pens / $85 Bradlie|water base oils and paint pens / $85

Bradlie Jackson is an artist with the Arts Unbound program in Orange, NJ, where she produces handmade crafts and fi ne art for the program’s retail venues. She enjoys painting, singing, music and drama, and is proud to have been one of 20 artists chosen to show her work in two national juried shows. Bradlie says the Arts Unbound program has helped her become more confi dent in her abilities as an artist in spite of her challenges.


Wil C. Kerner The Rat|on loan from private collection

Wil C. Kerner is classifi ed as an Artistic Savant. In extreme contrast to his developmental challenges, he is remarkably gifted in art. His desire to create is unstoppable, and he spends every day cutting colored paper. Some days he cuts pieces over and over never completing anything. Other days he completes character creation after character.

Dashir Johnson Bonding|acrylic and sharpie on canvas board / $150 Courtyard|acrylic on canvas board / $75

Dashir Johnson is a widely exhibited artist with the Arts Unbound program in Orange, NJ, where he has had six pieces selected to be featured on Arts Unbound greeting cards. He is known for the strength of human emotion depicted in his work. He describes herself as “an artist who happens to be in the autistic spectrum” and says his artwork depicts the beauty he sees in everyone. He prides himself on representing those with differences and says he hopes that the world sees that same beauty and fi nds acceptance through his eyes. Through Arts Unbound, he has gained a sense of community and is now more verbal and more engaged with others.


James Lane Azaleas|framed photograph / $40 DC Walk|framed photograph / $100

James Lane is an artist with Community Services for Autistic Adults and Children. James is a natural with the quick shot. He has the ability to capture his subject quickly and centered in the frame. He enjoys photographing people and is a good portrait artist. James would like to be a sports photographer some day.

Tony Labate Tupperware Man vs. Melvin Mold! (diptych) ink and colored pencil on paper / $125 Gretchen’s Name Game watercolor & ink on paper / $135

Tony Labate is an artist with the Make Studio Art Program, Inc., in Baltimore, MD. This Catonsville, MD, resident is a St. Elizabeth School graduate, a student at St. Peter’s Adult Learning Center, and, in his words, “a would-be writer of poetry” who also loves to draw. Tony works with the residents of the Charlestown Retirement Community providing entertaining presentations on a variety of topics. He is considered an expert source of information about classic fi lms, television, and late 20th century music. Tony’s artwork refl ects his unique take on popular culture, often interweaving personal and family narratives with his fascination with celebrity and spirituality.


Bess Lumsden Ritsuka in the Dungeon|mixed media on paper / $110 Ritsuka’s Goth-Emo Camping Trip watercolor & ink on paper / $125

Bess Lumsden is an artist with the Make Studio Art Program, Inc., in Baltimore, MD. This Ruxton, MD, resident currently attends community college. Bess especially enjoys costume and set design, Japanese anime, and using gothic and magical themes in her artwork. An ongoing concern of Bess’ is that individuals are too often prejudged by others on their appearance or other preconceived notions. Her “Heroines of Horror“ series of altered dolls explores this idea in a macabre but humorous fashion. Much of Bess’ most recent work examines the challenges of making the transition to adulthood, using the metaphor of containment (both the wanted and unwanted kind) and symbols of childhood and adventure.

Paul Lewis Takoma Station / $40

Paul Lewis is an artist with Community Services for Autistic Adults and Children. Paul is a natural. He draws as easily and as rhythmically as most people breathe. Although Paul works without apparent premeditation, the resulting composition is always in proportion to the surface: He never runs out of room and never has room left over. Paul is equally at home in acrylic, watercolor or oil pastel. He prefers strong color and uses line work to create both form and texture. His work is a particular favorite with home decorators.


Scott MacGregor Halfway Road|Oils on canvas / $175 A Look Back in Time|Water base oils and sharpie / $85

Scott MacGregor is an artist with the Arts Unbound program in Orange, NJ, who also holds a part-time job and attends a university in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in fi ne art. What began as a temporary 12-week program at Arts Unbound in 2007 turned out to be a life-altering experience for him. He is known in the Arts Unbound community for his leadership qualities and his ability to bring out artistic vision and confi dence in others. He creates very intricate art in a cartoon style, and has recently expanded his artistic expression from a focus on cartooning to a more varied study of other subjects, genres and media.

Zachary Bergold Lynch Flower Box Jungle|Acrylic on canvas / $220

Zachary Bergold Lynch has been an artist at the St. John’s Community Services ART Options program for one year where he enjoys making canvases. A 2010 graduate of the Ivymount Post High School, Zachary grew up in Washington, DC. He has been in a number of group shows in DC, and his favorite was the Creativity Cures show. When he isn’t painting, Lynch likes to create spreadsheets, make jewelry, and browse art galleries. He works at the Hillyer Gallery every Friday and also enjoys visiting the Gold’s Gym in DC and attending dancing and aerobics classes in Kensington, Maryland. He also takes voice lessons. His favorite subject to draw is Matt Damon.


Emily Meehan Yellow Macaw / Not for Sale Green Parrot / Not for Sale Chubby Bird / Not for Sale

Emily Meehan is an artist with Madison House Autism Foundation and attends the Frost School in Rockville, MD. After she graduates in June with a 4.0, she will attend Montgomery College. She aspires to be a veterinarian specializing in treating cats. She enjoys painting, especially birds.

Alex Martin My World in Black and White / $120

Alex Martin is a student at the Ivymount School in Rockville, MD. He enjoys using his fi ne motor skills to create art and especially likes beading, weaving, coloring with pastels, and applying crystals and mosaics to jewelry. He has a website, www.alexartloft.org where he raises money for several causes and partners with local stores, schools and nonprofi ts. Alex is mostly nonverbal and often uses an iPod to communicate. However, just because he doesn’t talk, doesn’t mean he has nothing to say. By making and selling cards, bracelets, and promotional items, Alex shows people that although he is not considered high functioning, his enthusiasm for work and fi ne motor skills are helping him gain independence every day. In partnership with businesses in the community, he is hoping to make a difference in the way people on the autism spectrum are viewed.


Louis Middleton Dolly Parton|mixed media on paper / $110 Down by the Mall|acrylic and ink on wood panel / $85

Louis Middleton is an artist with the Make Studio Art Program, Inc., in Baltimore, MD, and a graduate of the St. Elizabeth School. During the last few years Louis has operated his own photo restoration business and has logged a number of satisfi ed customers. Louis is a photographer who, thanks to the Make Studio program, has recently begun working to advance his computer skills, digitally manipulating photographs and original imagery, and is discovering new ways to express himself. He has a long-time love of drawing and painting, and tackles favorite subjects, such as architecture, country music icons, and outings with friends, layering straightforward (but never simple) shapes and bold color. Louis is a devotee of all things retro and 50’s, especially cars, games shows, restored diners, and Grease.

Charles Meisner New York|framed watercolor / $40 Walk in the Park|framed watercolor / $40

Charles Meisner is an artist with Community Services for Autistic Adults and Children. He has a prodigious memory, an uncanny eye for geography, and a broad-ranging interest in people and the media. It was that combination that resulted in NASA inviting Charles to create a work focused on the moon landing for the celebratory exhibit marking the 50th anniversary of space travel. Fans of Charles are drawn, in particular, to the stream of consciousness commentary that elucidates many of his pieces.


Jimmie aka Jimmy Reyna Rhododendrons|photograph / $40 DC at Day|photograph / $100

Jimmie (aka, Jimmy) Reyna is an artist with Community Services for Autistic Adults and Children. He is great at capturing the true color and details of his subjects and knows how to angle the camera when taking a picture to show an artistic style that shows the more than just a photograph. Jimmie enjoys photographing fl ower, plants and the great outdoors.

Madison Prince Pears|Limited and numbered glicee print, framed / $775 Two Women|Limited and numbered glicee print, framed / $800

Madison Prince is a 22-year old on the autism spectrum and is graduating from Rockville High School this spring. He did this work when he was 18 and has gone on to do more abstracts and exploration of colors in his more recent endeavors. He loves music, cartoons, movies, computers, swimming and art. Madison is the youngest of three children. He is the motivation behind Madison House Autism Foundation.


Sara Sanders Kitchen View|acrylic on canvas / $125 Spring Time in Forest|acrylic on canvas / $85

Sara Sanders Jackson is an artist with the Arts Unbound program in Orange, NJ. She is known for her meticulously ordered collages, decorative mirrors, and picture frames. Through Arts Unbound, she has developed an exuberant drawing style, even though she thought she could never learn. She enjoys a lovely relationship with Arts Unbound volunteer and fi ber artist Mal Nickerson, who offers her private mentoring in sewing and knitting. Sara takes two buses in order to get to Arts Unbound classes. She is committed to her art.

Chantee Ricks City Glitz|water base oils and paint pens / $85 Patiently Waiting|acrylic and sharpie / $85 Animation Expression|Water base oils on canvas / $85

Chantee Ricks is an artist with the Arts Unbound program in Orange, NJ. Her passion for art was fi rst noticed when she was three years old, and she has spent the years since then working to develop and hone her skills as an artist. She won fi rst place at the North Jersey Craftsman’s Fair for a drawing, an Honorable Mention Award from ASAH Art Contest, and a Recognition in the Arts Award from VSA Arts of New Jersey. Chantee’s poem, “Useless,” was selected as high merit and published in a Spring 2010 anthology, “A Celebration of Poets.” Chantee’s artistic taste is varied, but she has a particular interest in the aesthetic of Japanese culture. She hopes to one day move there.


Michael Tutson Architectural Perspective|Acrylic on canvas / $160

Michael Tutson has been an artist at the St. John’s Community Services ART Options program for six years. Through the ART Options program, he enjoys painting, sketching, swimming and visiting the Smithsonian. A 2006 graduate of Anacostia High School, Michael grew up in Washington, DC, with his mom, dad and sister. When he is not painting, he likes completing Sudoku puzzles, watching TV, being on his computer, and helping his mother around the house. He wants to one day learn how to drive. His favorite art subject is architecture.

Andrew Sweeney Spiderman Shattered Dimensions Acrylic / Not for Sale

Andrew Sweeney is almost 23 and loves to draw. The acrylic painting he chose for this show, called “Spider-man Shattered Dimensions,” is based on the video game cover.


Jerry Williams Zing, Zang, Zoom and HOLLA!|mixed media on paper / $160 Ricardo Montalban as Khan|mixed media on paper / $125

Jerry Williams is an artist with the Make Studio Art Program, Inc., in Baltimore, MD. This Baltimore resident is a McDonald’s employee and a 2003 graduate of the St. Elizabeth School. He became the Make Studio program’s fi rst artist after fi lling his house to bursting with 2-D and 3-D artistic creations. Jerry’s favorite artistic subjects are superheroes, Star Trek, and daredevils, such as professional wrestlers and the performers of the Ringling Bros Barnum & Bailey Circus. He loves to paint and draw but also enjoys making sculptures using found materials. Jerry’s portraits of conventional and unconventional celebrities (e.g., Star Trek characters and local newscasters) are especially popular, but one of his most prized creations is his artistic alter ego known as “Partyman: The Protector of Baltimore City,” depicted in the artwork he chose for this show.

Jamal Williams Floating in Circles|Acrylic on canvas / $180

Jamal Williams has been an artist at the St. John’s Community Services ART Options program for six years where he enjoys working with charcoal, eraser, paint brushes, watercolor pencils, water jars, shaping pencils and brushes. A 2006 graduate of Anacostia High School, Jamal grew up in Washington, DC, with his mother, father, aunt, sister, brother, and uncle. Through the ART Options program, he enjoys painting, swimming, and going to the library, Gold’s Gym, and the Smithsonian. When he isn’t painting, he likes puzzles, TV, sports, Marvel Comic Books, cooking, and listening to music. He is a frequent traveler and has gone to Virginia, Florida, Las Vegas, Cleveland, Hawaii, North Carolina, South Carolina, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. His favorite art subjects are DC and Marvel Comics.

MADISON HOUSE

AUTISM FOUNDATION

The Johns Hopkins University Montgomery County Campus would like to thank the 32 artists who contributed work to this show. The process of sharing one’s artistic vision with the world is not always easy, and doing so can be even

more of a challenge for those who feel judged just for be-ing who they are. We are honored to be able to share this

work with our campus and with the larger Montgomery County community. We hope this show will lead to conver-sations about how we, as individuals and as a community,

can be more understanding of others and how we can better support those with special needs.

Questions? Contact Melanie at [email protected],

Adrienne at [email protected] or Sherill Anne Gross at [email protected]

autistic artistic a life ahead

Documents

autism face

autism spectrum disorders

sale mona catherine

washington lab school

art exhibition

years old

artistic expressions

baltimore lab school