The doors of McMurray A.R.T.S Center have not yet opened, but
advocates are calling the concept a window of opportunity for autistic
people throughout the area. The center will offer instruction in art and
music to autistic students of all ages. The acronym stands for Autistic
Recreational Training Services.
"The center is a nonpolitical way that we can give back to the
community," said Sandy McMurray, founder and mother of autistic twin boys,
Ryan and Phillip, age 6. "In Michigan, there's nothing like it for the
autistically impaired."
In fact, McMurray's vision is so vibrant, she attracted the dedication
of Mount Washington, Ky., resident Donna Samuels, the mother of a
16-year-old autistic boy and secretary of the A.R.T.S. Center.
"As a classroom teacher, I saw firsthand how important therapeutic art
activities could be for children," Samuels said. "What Sandy is doing is
great because she's saying: 'You're special whatever your function level.
We're going to let your light shine.'"
Slated to open in the next three to six months, the center will
feature the volunteer efforts of art and music teachers from throughout the
area.
Its Macomb County location is yet to be announced.
"We're still working out all the details," said McMurray, who expects
to receive notice of the company's nonprofit status from the state this
month.
Initially, A.R.T.S. Center participants will be required to pay a
small fee, but McMurray hopes that grant funding will eventually cover
operating costs, including building rental.
In addition to offering opportunities to the autistic, the center aims
to improve the community's understanding of those who "march to a different
drummer," increasing appreciation for their unique gifts and talents.
The center will benefit from proceeds of the sale of a new CD, "A
Celtic Harvest Live for Autism," featuring music from local Irish bands
including Charlie Taylor and Larry Larson.
Although a handful of people with autism are considered "savants,"
naturally brilliant in one or more areas, such as art, the majority function
somewhere in the middle, McMurray said, her sons included.
While Ryan enjoys working with finger-paint, particularly the color
yellow, Phillip prefers to draw geometric shapes using computer art
programs. Both boys enjoy music: Ryan in particular will listen to certain
songs over and over again for hours.
Sixteen-year-old Joshua Samuels lights up when he draws.
"I can tell by the smile on his face, the passion, the way he stays
attended to the task, that he loves what he's doing," Donna Samuels said.
Although Joshua is largely nonverbal, he expresses himself wonderfully
through art.
"It's kind of a therapeutic thing for him," she said. "As long as it
brings joy to Joshua, I'm happy to see him do it."
Joshua is one of the featured artist on McMurray's Web site,
www.autismarts.com, a virtual gallery showcasing pieces from autistic
artists throughout the country.
In November 2002, McMurray will take selected pieces from each of the
50 states to Melbourne, Australia, where the First World Autism Congress is
scheduled to meet.
"Our goal," McMurray said, "is to portray autism in a positive light."
To order "A Celtic Harvest Live for Autism," priced at $12, or for
more information about the center, call Sandy McMurray at (810) 777-7533 or
visit www.autismarts.com. ©The Macomb Daily 2001
Author: By Maryanne Kocis MacLeod, Macomb Daily,
Source: asaasc
