The work of local autistic artists was showcased and celebrated at the Hippodrome State Theatre on Monday night.
In a partnership with West Port High School in Ocala and the UF Center for Autism and Related Disabilities, the Hippodrome held a fundraiser titled, “Envision the Invisible: Celebrating Autism in the Arts” to celebrate autism on all points of the spectrum.
In addition to enjoying artwork created by autistic individuals in the Hippodrome’s art gallery, guests of the event were able to watch an hourlong play illustrating autism through the eyes of someone who isn’t directly impacted by the disability. The performance, called “The Invisible,” was written by an alumnus of WPHS whose brother is autistic. It was performed by members of the high school’s Autism Spectrum Disorder unit.
Norma Barnes, an Autism Spectrum Disorder teacher at WPHS, said it was amazing to see the event come together after being in the works since January.
In order to bridge the apparent divide she saw between high-school students with special needs and those without them, Barnes started a program called Wolfpack United Mentor Program.
Barnes said the event’s purpose was to show those in the community that those with autism want to be included and acknowledged just like everyone else.
“We’re hoping to advocate and celebrate people on the spectrum and show the public how they really want to be included in community activities,” Barnes said.
Tyler, a 17-year-old autistic student who wished to keep his last name anonymous, said participating in a discussion panel at the showcase Monday evening was one of the best experiences of his life.
An 11th grader at WPHS, Tyler shed light on what it means to have autism.
“I just want people to know that all minds, bodies and souls are created equal (and) should be treated equal,” he said.
Contact Catie Wegman at cwegman@alligator.org and follow her on Twitter: @catie_wegman.
Nine-year-old Case Russel showcased his artwork at the Hippodrome State Theatre’s “Envision the Invisible: Celebrating Autism in the Arts” on Monday night. The Hippodrome paired with the UF Center for Autism and Related Disabilities and West Port High School in Ocala to celebrate autistic artists in the community.
