Color Me Wonderful #1 - Tape Art!!

The Great Debate

I recently read an article from The New York Times and I am on the fence about how I feel about the whole debate. Read the article, and let me know what you think!

Autism Debate

Sensory Friendly Films!

Does your child dislike going to the movies because it's too loud or too dark and the previews seem to last forever? If so, check this out!

AMC Theatres (AMC) and the Autism Society have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and other disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis with the "Sensory Friendly Films" program.

In order to provide a more accepting and comfortable setting for this unique audience, the movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down, families will be able to bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks, and no previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie. Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing - in other words, AMC’s “Silence is Golden^®” policy will not be enforced unless the safety of the audience is questioned.

Tickets are $4-6 depending on location and can be purchased on the day of the event.

For More information check out: http://www.autism-society.org/get-involved/events/sensory-friendly-films/ 

Color Me Wonderful

Pablo Picasso once said, "All kids are born artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up." 

When two Friendship Miami volunteers approached me at the end of Session One, this quote came to mind. AJ and Victoria were looking for a community project they could do for their I.B. program at school. It was Victoria who then told me about a fundraiser she had been to where they sold art made by the kids, and thus "Color Me Wonderful" was born. 

While the rest of the world expects children with disabilities to fir into their mold for what is normal, Friendship Miami is all about unearthing potential. Here we encourage the volunteers to fit the mold of their child, rather than the other way around. We want to learn about the children, we want to learn from the children. We work on all different ways of communicating, but what better way than with a paintbrush and some paint?

Together with AJ Ziv and Victoria Fernandez, Friendship Miami will offer art at each Sunday Circle for Session Two. We have prepared unique ways of creating art which are not only fun but stimulating for the children as well. 

This past week we taped up some canvases with painters tape and then had the kids finger paint on top! They experimented with color, design, and texture. The finished product, well you can see for yourself!

I am blown away every Sunday Circle by the children I am privileged to work with! Just like art, they bring color and vitality to the world, enriching the lives of all whom they encounter!

Stay tuned for pics of our next art session!

Thank you for visiting Friendship Miami!