Art-to-Art sharing

Matthew with "Brown Monkey" mask...such a sweetheart

The play went wonderfully today!  Everyone and their families and friends came out today to support the lovelies: Liam, Michael, Ewan, Peri, Graylin, and Matthew.  The kids put on a GREAT show.  While Elisabeth stayed behind the "curtain" to help them get on stage, Jordan and I stood on the sidelines playing different percussion instruments, bells and kazoos while Donovan narrated the story.  At the end, everyone erupted in satisfying applause and I wanted to cry because I was so happy and excited.  They did so well and I have never felt so accomplished before.  It was a great learning experience and I learned a lot about teaching art and teaching it to individuals with autism.

The high school volunteers were also such great sports through the whole experience.  For most, it was their first time ever working with kids with autism and I don't know if they knew what they were getting themselves into exactly.  That is to say, I don't think they knew how much FUN they were getting themselves into.  They really took responsibility for making everyone feel comfortable and happy and these pictures below represent the culmination of great effort, communication, enthusiasm and friendship between a bunch of crazy (in the best way) people:

Backstage "pow-wow" before the start of the show

"Tiger" scares and picks on "Brown Monkey"

Pikachu uses his "good-natured powers" to put "Tiger" in his place

"Frank", "Zeus" and "Jazzy" the Cat on stage

Group dance party at the finale

Parade around the University Mall...we're such show offs!

Donavan leading the play with upbeat, can't-resist-the-urge-to-dance drumming

Me and Elisabeth holding the arms of a GIANT puppet we did not make

Ewan posing for a good-bye photo

THE END