The positive relationship between art and autism will be explored during a free artist exchange and talk in the Power Center on Thursday, Dec. 10.
Art from the exhibit Mindful.
Dr. Tammy Hughes, professor of school psychology and chair of the Department of Counseling, Psychology and Special Education in the School of Education, has organized the Art & Autism program and reception from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. to explore the role of art with those who have autism.
Attendees will have opportunity to meet with youth who have autism and visit with artists and service providers who use art with these students as a method of healthy expression.
“Engagement with the arts—music, dance, writing and visual creative expression—is associated with health benefits for everyone,” Hughes said. “As a therapy, creative expressions contribute to a variety of healing processes. For individuals with autism, we find a benefit for advancing specific challenges in social awareness and healthy self-expression.”
The art exchange will showcase the works of artists from Contemporary Craft, which is hosting the exhibit Mindful: Exploring Mental Health through Art through March 12, 2016. Contemporary Craft’s Artist-in-Residence Daniel Baxter will exhibit his exclusive line of nontraditional dolls, Kreepy Doll Factory. Amy Masters, the Contemporary Craft artist-apprentice, will showcase her fiber-based sculptures and encourage viewers to engage with the work through the act of play. In addition, students from Wesley Spectrum Service will showcase their Warhol exhibit.
RSVPs to previtea@duq.edu are requested by Thursday, Dec. 3. The event, offered in partnership with Contemporary Craft, is funded by the Autism Society of Pittsburgh and is open to the public.