KALAMAZOO—An art exhibit that was created as part of an autism art project is on display through Feb. 28 at Western Michigan University, with a reception set for this week.
The "All for One" exhibition is on display in the College of Health and Human Services second floor art gallery where an exhibit reception is scheduled for 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4. The reception is free and open to the public, with free parking available in Lot 104.
Autism and Visual Art Project
The works in the exhibit include a documentary film and were created as part of the Autism and Visual Art Project, a course developed and conducted by Bill Davis, associate professor of art in the WMU Frostic School of Art, and through a College of Fine Arts Fellowship in 2013. The project was carried out through a collaboration between the Frostic School of Art and the Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency.
Autism is quickly growing in the United States. One in 10,000 newborns were diagnosed with autism in 1970, that number grew to 11 in 1,000 by 2009 and to 11 in 968 by 2011. Currently, one in 88 infants in the United States is diagnosed with autism.
Through the Autism and Visual Art Project, WMU undergraduate students from various disciplines developed knowledge about autism and worked with those with the disorder. They conducted visual art workshops with autistic students, making art and generating data for research on the impact of visual art on the cognitive and communication skills of people with autism. They also participated in exercises that simulated their sensory experiences.
"This course ties in with my future career," says course participant and speech pathology and audiology student Jessica Parrish. "The art made them comfortable—it visually connected what they did with how they interacted with the people. It was a great experience, and I am glad I could do it."
Viewing days, times
"All for One" can be viewed by the public from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
For more information, contact Gay Walker at (269) 387-3839 or gay.walker@wmich.edu.