When my younger brother was diagnosed with Autism my world was forever changed. As we are nearly thirteen years apart I was old enough throughout his childhood to see the ways in which he was effected by this diagnosis. Although it was never about the label to us, and we didn't compare him to other children, you can't help but feel pained by watching someone so close to you struggle with things th
at they never should. With Autism it was often very difficult for him to express himself. Where most people are able to express their emotions and explain what is making them feel the way that they do, he wasn't able to do that. He didn't know what it meant to feel sad, or to feel afraid. He didn't know what any of the everyday emotions meant and he didn't know how to explain the way that he was feeling. I remember it being so difficult for us to learn how to communicate with him, trying to see what it was he was feeling, so that we could help him understand. He would cry or throw things, get angry and lash out, not because he was a bad kid but because he couldn't express himself. That is why I was so moved by the mission behind The M.A.D. This program is not limited to children with Autism, but allows all children a place where they are free to express themselves. Not only are they learning techniques and getting the opportunity to work with a variety of materials, inspired by the work of famous artists in history, but they are also a part of an environment that allows them to express themselves. They are free to explore their creativity and given that outlet that modern schooling has taken away. There is no "right way" in art, that is why we follow a curriculum formulated around the idea of create not imitate. Studios we understand the value of an artistic outlet and the importance of that being a place free of judgement and criticism. My mission through opening this studio in Costa Mesa is to provide families and young artists with the opportunity to explore their creativity. Through learning about the arts they will be connected with it's original intention of creation, not imitation.
