My Disability Story

Gallery Room 240,

GoggleWorks Center for the Arts

Opening: July 26, 2020

Abilities in Motion is partnering with GoggleWorks to present a two-week long art exhibition from July 26 through August 10, 2020, featuring the works of artists with disabilities in honor of the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), which falls on July 26. Thank you to the Berks Arts Council and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts for a grant for this year’s art exhibition.

The annual ADA Celebration Art Show recognizes the anniversary of the ADA by highlighting the culturally diverse artistic talent of people with disabilities within our local community. Art allows individuals with disabilities to develop a sense of identity and serves as a medium to explore ideas and emotions not otherwise easily expressed. We hope you’ll enjoy these artists’ disability stories through art!

Abilities in Motion, a Berks-county based nonprofit, has been helping individuals with disabilities live independent, self-determined lives since 1989. Let’s connect!

www.abilitiesinmotion.org

Charles Fick

I have what they call Schizophrenia. But I’m still human and with personal feelings too. I became an artist at my uncle’s in 2010. I have successfully done over 400 paintings since 2010. I could knock ‘em out by 2-5 p.m. on a good day, but sometimes I have artist’s block. I paint for fun, and it can be therapeutic for me, but I mostly paint because I like to create. I create for enjoyment. Most of my paintings are unique and really good. (I like to paint!)

Frenzy-Uh

acrylic

24" x 18"

True paranoia is this theme. This painting shows the way phrenia seems to look and to be. So I call this “Frenzy-uh.” The picture is a person whose phrenia is in a frenzy paranoia.

The Bulb

acrylic

24" x 18"

This is an abstract of a flower bulb. It has to do with spring. In the spring, I used to love to smell the new flowers. So I call this “The Bulb,” or “The Beginning.”

Rickey Joachin

Rickey was born in Brooklyn, New York, but has been living in Reading with his family since 2000. He is diagnosed with autism. In his free time, he likes to read comic books and watch YouTube videos. This is Rickey’s first piece of art he has ever done; he wanted to try something new.

Adaptations: Verbal prompts assist him with knowing where to paint certain things.

Rickey Lightning

acrylic

20" x 16"

This art is based off of Rickey’s favorite comic book character, Black Lightning. Rickey found a picture of Black Lightning in his comic book and drew/painted him, but made it into himself, wearing his favorite hat.

Sybil Thompson

”I see my ideas in my head. For example, I can see an entire room or building in detail just by thinking about it. I don’t bother with a camera.”

At an early age, Sybil Roe Thompson was diagnosed as being severely autistic. Endless rounds of speech therapy, hydrotherapy, group therapy, dance therapy, and countless hours of individual mental health treatment brought her into a world where she could communicate and be self-sufficient with minimal assistance.

She has a phenomenal memory, which serves her visually when she draws her detailed scenes and designs, including interior and exterior scenes. She has painted furniture and a series of paintings on the architecture of Reading, Pennsylvania, where she lives. She has also started painting jewelry and household decorative items.

Sybil’s work has been featured in many art shows in the Reading area. She had a show at Magic Gardens in Philadelphia in 2017.

Decorative Wall Hanging

acrylic on wood

7" x 9" x 1/2"

Decorative wall hanging painted with Sybil’s signature dot designs.

Shelf

acrylic on wood

17" x 6" x 2"

Hanging shelf unit painted with Sybil’s signature colorful dot design. She loves bright colors.

Ladies Room

acrylic on paper, self-framed

11" x 9"

One of Sybil’s signature bathroom paintings showing details of a bathroom using the colorful dot and square designs. She loves creating original layouts for each bathroom.

Aaron Hartman

My name is Aaron “Anna” Hartman and I am 29 years old. I live with autism, schizoaffective, PTSD, ADHD, and physical dysfunctions as well. I struggle with my faith. I always persevere with my art but I get distraction also from my MH. I’ve been an artist ever since I had a mental illness, but it gives me hope.

The Christ of Zion

acrylic

16" x 20"

I feel challenged with my faith and I feel like my autism makes me different from other people of faith. I had a sense of wonderment while developing this painting.

Meaghan Xenia Alexandra “Alex” Torres

At 2 ½ years old, I was diagnosed with autism. Since then, it presented me with challenges, like struggles understanding social skills/cues, speech impairment, workplace discrimination and the understanding of eye contact and body language. Thanks to God, my parents, my therapists, special aides, advisors, and more, I have excelled in ways that some people didn’t think possible. I have become more social, I understand some metaphorical jokes and phrases, and I’ve been self-advocating for people with autism, other forms of disabilities, and more.

A

mixed media, ink & acrylic

16" x 12"

This art piece was for a project I did in college that involved mixing ink, detailing technique, and paint. The girl in the piece has a shirt with a puzzle piece with an “A” in the middle, symbolizing myself as a woman with autism and other people with autism. The detailing in each puzzle piece surrounding the girl represents the complex mind of an autistic person. The big blue puzzle piece is represented as the iconic symbol for autism awareness. This piece took 2 ½ weeks to complete.

An Autistic Perspective

mixed media, pencil & acrylic

16" x 20"

As the title states, this art piece is the visual perspective of someone with autism. What I’ve always remembered growing up with this disability is that autistic people see the world differently. The black and white coloring of the buildings are represented simple and concrete, while looking up above the buildings the sky is colorful and complex like a puzzle. Looking up to the picture is a reflective parallel to an autistic person’s lack of eye contact and they have been mostly seen looking up. The sketch of this piece was drawn in pencil and was finalized in acrylic paint. This piece took me two weeks to complete.

Angel Lovett

I am a 17-year-old girl who struggles with a lot of anxiety. I have done self-harm. I am very smart academically but when it comes to mental health, I am not very strong. I don’t like to be around a lot of people, it causes my anxiety to act up more. But art allows me to calm down and relax. I try to use it more as a coping skill to keep me from going back to self-harming.

Art

paint

11" x 14"

This artwork displays the word ART to describe one thing that helps me when I am in a bad mood or in a severe anxiety attack. I use art to calm myself. I use art to express myself the red signifies the confusion on my mental health. Blue signifies the calming down.

Night Starry

paint

11" x 14"

With my anxiety at night I lay in bed at night looking at the stars in the night sky to calm me down so I can sleep. It works well to help me sleep.

Smile

paint

11" x 14"

Smile is what I do on the outside, but on the inside my anxiety has me all confused. People say anxiety is not something to play with. It can cause more serious issues later on in life. Smile means someone makes it a little easier. Meaning, when you know I’m having an issue, help me, not make it worse.

Ann-Marie Wolff

Ann-Marie is a graduate of Kutztown High School. Her disability is Asperger’s, which places her on the autism spectrum. She also has very poorly developed small muscle coordination which limits her ability to draw freely or even to write her signature. She has, however, found great success using a ruler, a compass, a pencil, and her imagination to execute these geometric works of art. When colored, they are vivid descriptions and kaleidoscope dimensions. She sends numerous copies of her art to various children’s hospitals across the county including Shriners, St. Jude, Penn State Hershey, John Hopkins, and Tower Health-Reading Hospital.

A Study in Black and White

pen and paper

40" x 28"

This is a mounting of 12 geometric drawings displayed on a background of black and silver executed with a pencil, compass, and ruler. Very poor muscle coordination only allows me to draw this way. This is a large framed work of different renditions.

Brent Brown

I have been doing art for a very long time. I enjoy art beyond what I can describe. My art is vital to my living with a disability. I look at it as my ability. I rely on my inner drive to create from inspirations from movie characters, Muppet characters, and imagination. I believe disability opens my mind to see images in my mind. I specialize with using cardboard and make puppet-like creations, but I also do drawings, painting, and ceramics. I have been in art shows all over the Southeastern PA area and one day hope to do a big show, perhaps in NYC. Come visit me at the GoggleWorks in Studio 306.

Bike over the Moon

acrylic and glaze

35" x 33"

I have always loved Steven Spielberg movies. I have done many cardboard creations, ceramics, and painting inspired by his characters, one being E.T. This scene touches your heart and inspires hope and brings you out of your shell. It helps me to use belief in myself and build on my strength.

Prism Face

cardboard and acrylic

25" x 17" x 12"

I am very drawn to the excitement, adventure, and inspiration of action movies and comic hero movies. It has an influence on helping me to open up. The key is conveying transparency and courage. Managing and self-regulation is from empowerment and having a voice. For me, that comes from within.

Yellow Dread

cardboard and acrylic

28" x 16" x 10"

Music is a part of my recovery. Music influences my creative mind and inspires a visual template in my mind. The music of Bob and Ziggy Marley along with Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal led to the creating of “Yellow Dread.” Seeing the art come to its completion reminds me of how much the process taps into my wellness through calm, focus, purpose, and joy in expression.

Casey Schmehl

I am Casey Schmel, a 22-year-old woman from Sinking Spring, PA. I may have been born differently than my older sister and cousins, but I am an artist, dancer, actress, singer, and I play the piano. I live my life focusing on my ABILITIES to strive to achieve my goals and dreams. My passions include both visual and performing art activities that include the following: oil painting, piano, pencil drawing, voice, dance, fitness class, musical theater, and sewing. My interest in the arts began in middle school and high school, where I participated in concert choir, various art classes, musical theater club, and several theater productions. After graduation in 2015, I have continued to take lessons in all categories above, and I am very excited to see where my journey takes me.

Delicious Red Apple

oil paint

16" x 12"

In January 2020, I began to take oil painting classes at The Warehouse Studios in Reading. The painting of the red apple was my second painting in class. I chose the apple because it is my favorite fruit! I continued to enjoy oil painting in class and at home.

My Favorite Art Tools

colored pencil

16" x 13"

Where would I be as an artist without my pencils and my paint brushes?

My Tap Shoes

pencil drawing

16" x 13"

In addition to oil painting and drawing, my other passions are theater, music, and dance. The drawing of tap shoes is just one of many dance and music related drawings I have done.

Catlin Wasson

My name is Caitlin. I’ve had mental health illnesses as well as medical health problems. Most of my life I’ve dealt with severe anxiety and depression. I decided to focus on my recovery, leaning on my art and other coping skills. I also started advocating for myself and others. I focused on reframing my mindset to be more positive and to enjoy life. I received my certified peer specialist (CPS) certification and will be working with others with disabilities. I’m proud of how far I’ve come mentally and physically.

Eye to the Soul

acrylic

11" x 14"

Due to depression, I used to linger on the negatives, and it made it difficult to recover. I decided to reframe my mindset on the positives. When I focused on seeing the positivity, I became more positive as a person and started seeing hope and joy, and I realized it changed who I was to the core of my being.

Time to Choose Darkness or Happiness

acrylic

10" x 8"

I suffered from severe depression. That made enjoying life almost impossible. At one point, I thought is this the path I wish to remain on? When I realized that it was not, I chose a better one.

Dylan Smith

Dylan Smith is a 27-year-old young man with autism. He currently lives on an alpaca farm with his parents. After graduating from Governor Mifflin High School in 2014, Dylan’s father taught him how to weave. Since that time, Dylan has made scarves, shawls, rugs, and baby blankets from yarn that is produced on the farm. He uses patterns designed by his father on a software program. Then Dylan completes the process of preparing the loom and weaving the project from start to finish.

Adaptations: Projects need to be well organized beforehand with regard to yarn colors available and completed size.

Color Study #1

weaving

80" x 6" x 1/8"

A presentation of three representative works in varying color and design. They show how a person with autism has unique talents and abilities to complete the complex process of weaving. The process is very methodical, and the artist enjoys making these articles of clothing that people can enjoy.

LornaBeth Shantz

I was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus as a young mother. As a result, I shifted from career as a teacher to office work for a non-profit organization. Over the years, I explored other career paths. In a required art studio class, in which I expected to struggle, I learned I could draw. Today, years later, I have added multiple diagnoses, including fibromyalgia, migraine, and chronic kidney disease. Currently, as a spiritual director, I use my art as a spiritual discipline to find and share the beauty that life continues to offer.

Adaptations: I cannot work for extended period of time. By using watercolor and ink, I am able to work more frequently for short period of time. I also usually work during times when my tremor is less severe. I use the ‘mistakes” my tremor causes as opportunities to be more creative and less photographic. I also keep my pieces small.

Shapeshifting

watercolor and ink

10" x 12"

For this painting I used bright colors to create random shapes on the page. Then I looked at what I had and went back in to create something using the shapes. This is what emerged. Sometimes our lives give us things without an evident pattern. It is up to me to see what sort of beauty I can create out of whatever random thing occurs.

Snowdrops

watercolor and ink

10" x 12"

Just when you think winter will never end, in the middle of February, the snowdrops make their appearance. They will even hide under the snow. If you know where to look, if you pay attention and watch, you can see them when you would think there is only cold and death. Life has its seasons. Lupus is a relapsing and remitting disease. When I have more difficult times, I remember the snowdrops. The snowdrops inspire me to keep looking, even in those difficult times, for the beauty that lies hidden to those who don’t look.

Catastrophe

watercolor

10" x 12"

It was a catastrophe! It was a bad tremor day. I dropped my entire palette. Broken pieces of paint scattered everywhere. I swept the pieces up and decided to try to keep and use the largest ones. For this painting, I wet the paper and scattered broken pieces over the page at random. As the page dried, the paint chips adhered to the paper. I then returned and worked with the chips to see what I could create. Our lives are like that. Sometimes things are “broken.” It is up to me to see what sort of beauty I can create from the pieces.

Jodi Lovett

I am a 16-year-old autistic girl. I love to draw and make things. I want to be a fashion designer. I won art contests when I was younger. I love arts and crafts. I use arts as a coping skill sometimes when I am upset or frustrated. I am strong, I work hard but struggle sometimes, but art is my go-to thing. It is my life. I love to learn about art. It is me. I can express myself.

How I Feel Sometimes

paint and Mod Podge

14" x 11"

With being autistic, sometimes inside my body and mind feels all kinds of weird. It is hard to explain so I express it in paintings, and this is how it comes out.

Ocean of Life

paint

11" x 14"

With mental illness, our life is like an ocean. We have calmness, and we have little waves of mental issues and big waves of mental issues. So we are like an ocean. We can be calm, or we can be fierce.

Kiara Gilchrist

I am Kiara Gilchrist, and I am from Lebanon, Pennsylvania. I am 15 years old. I have two older brothers, and I am the only sister in the family. I go to Cedar Crest High School and I have a lot of friends. I enjoy art and started exploring it when some of my classmates did as well. My favorite kinds of art are painting, sketching, coloring, and using markers. I do art with my friends, and sometimes by myself during free time. My disability is autism. I have learned with creativity and imagination you can do anything!

Princess Sings-a-lot

mixed media, ink and colored pencil

10" x 12"

I created “Princess Sings-a-lot” when I was happy and calm. I chose this piece of art because I sing a lot, and she reminds me of me. That is how I came up with her. I really enjoy ponies. I used markers, colored pencils, and Sharpie on paper.

Kristin Phillips

My name is Kristin Phillips. I am 24 years old, and I am self-taught artist—ever since birth, ever since I could pick up a pencil as a toddler. I happened to be born with mild autism and 22Q11, which is DiGeorge, a chromosomal disorder caused by a defect in chromosome 22. I’ve self-published two books before as well, from a company named Lulu-Publishing. They shared my art on their social media.

Dream World

markers, ink, and gel pen

11" x 9"

This piece of artwork is based off of a comic that I self-published in 2019. That is also based off of lucid dreaming, to the dreams that I have during the night while I’m asleep, and I end up inventing my own dream world.

Zak and Tyler

pencil

9" x 12"

The back story to “Zak & Tyler” is supposed to be Pride-themed for the LGBT Community. Behind this story of piece of art, they are lovers and love interests. I did this piece of art because I happen to support the Pride/LGBT Community at heart!

Back Story

markers and ink pen

11" x 9"

Finally and lastly, this piece of artwork is called “The Back Story.” This is based on my own very first original superhero ever invented during 2019. I never really got the chance to finish the comic for self-publishing or in general, but it is an original superhero that I came up with!

Madallyn Corson

I don’t draw because I think I am good at it. I draw because it is soothing. I have suffered from major depressive disorder since I was 14 years old. Within the last year, I have also developed crippling anxiety. Drawing requires a lot of focus and mental capacity; it keeps me centered and calm. I am not creative enough to design my own images, but I really enjoy taking someone else’s image and making it my own. I find myself drawn to create images that show how my head, soul, and heart feel when I feel very low. So most of my imagery depicts darkness, loss, and broken hearts. I grew up in South Florida and moved to Pennsylvania for college.

The Color of Sadness

charcoal and pastel

12" x 8"

This image depicts the feeling of depression. Being depressed induces quite a bit of crying. When I cry, this image is what it feels like. I am on the floor crying/expelling my color, my uniqueness, my hope, and all I am left with is darkness.

Hello, Again

pastel and colored pencil

8" x 12"

This image shows how it feels when I feel like I am falling backwards. I struggle every day to feel something. However, when I lose it’s like I have disappeared back into darkness, back into the arms of my depression.

Monsters on the Mind

charcoal and pastel

12" x 8"

This particular sketch I have actually done. When my mind sinks into sadness and my body literally folds into a fetal position, all I can do is cry. I used to see shadows, not exactly to scare me, but more to collect me.

Mary Anne Frye

Hello, my name is Mary Anne Frye. I am from Hagerstown, Pennsylvania. God has granted me the gift of drawing. All my life I have been an artist. Lastly, I have bipolar disorder and schizo-affective disorder.

Lily of the Valley

acrylic

15" x 12"

I love flowers. Seeing flowers gives me happiness. I want people to feel the same joy that flowers give me.

Sunny Beach

acrylic

15" x 19"

Visiting with my aunt and uncle during the summer inspired this art piece. I hope that others will become hopeful when they see this picture I created.

Melinda Russell

A resident of Reading, Pennsylvania, Melinda graduated from Wilson High School and earned a BA in Graphic Design from Penn State University, University Park.

She uses creativity as a tool to improve her wellness. Primarily a photographer, she has recently started painting. “Painting activates a different part of my mind than photography. The movement of my arms and hands and the way the paint moves brings my subconscious emotions forward. I am experimenting with different types, colors, and densities of paint, as well as ways to create unique textures and marks.”

Melinda is currently a volunteer Certified Peer Facilitator for NAMI Connections, a support group for adults with mental illness (through NAMI Berks County).

Cazenovia Lake Twilight (June 2020)

acrylic on board

9" x 18"

A low-res phone camera captured twilight reflecting in the lake. The soundless, still lake—the pier lights sparkling in the air and water—and the smell of the lake helped quiet my mind to take in the moment, absorb the peace and calm I need. I wanted to capture this feeling in my painting and share it with others.

Black with Green Flash

acrylic on paper board

17" x 13"

Feeling, not thinking. That’s how I made this one. The texture and colors of the background called out for a squirt of black paint that slowly flowed down the panel. The flash of green? An inspiration.

Nicolette Kutzler

I live to do my art. I started doing art when I was just a child It was my escape from the world. In time I learned to see the life I live in colors. Colors speak to me. My art keeps me focused and helps me find peace in an angry world. I address my anxiety and depression through art. I speak through my pictures and my crafts. Just doing it gives me joy, and I enjoy sharing that joy with others.

Adaptations: I do need to wear wrist braces due to arthritis.

Wolf Hunting in the Jungle

marker painting

18" x 24"

The use of the werewolf presents my projection of rising to the challenge. Past traumatic abuses thrust upon me created a barrier that resulted in the metaphor of a powerful hunter meeting its needs and protecting themselves. This builds hope and empowerment to rise above the anxiety, depression, and shame of being a victim. My trauma is an opportunity for discovery.

Fantasy Island of Ancient Times

marker painting

36" x 36"

My love for mythical creatures often draws out grounding, focus, adventure, and dreams. This inspires a peace and boldness to be me. With all my art, I speak through colors. Colors incite my vision, and using markers I feel the rush of sound and touch while in the process of creating. I am rewarded by my art with purpose and then accomplishment that I like to share.

Mammoth of Old

marker painting

20" x 16"

The predecessor of the elephant was mighty and survived difficult times. It portrays strength and standing ground. It reminds me to stand up for myself, build on my strength, and exercise confidence. The mammoth stood the test of time. I want to be diligent and be consistent in my recovery and wellness. I embrace that it takes my effort.

Sindel Strohecker

My name is Sindel Strohecker, and I’m 24 years old. I’ve been doing art since I was little, and I live in Reading, Pennsylvania. My disability is intellectual. My symptoms are difficulty thinking and understanding. My life skills that are or can be impacted include certain conceptual, social, and practical skills. My behavior: mellow, impulsivity, or restlessness. I replaced hyperactivity with mellow because I’m mellow and don’t have hyperactivity. Also common: difficulty thinking and understanding. I’m also slow at things, and I sometimes have more trouble talking than others. Other than that I’m living, or trying to get through life.

Adaptations: I write notes to help me or use two apps like Todo or Cozi to also help me with my disability.

Zebra Mask without Eye Holes

paper mâché

18" x 14" x 3"

The zebra mask was made in middle or high school. I made it because I loved animals and it was the first animal I thought of. I would like to see what people think of it.

Virginia Walker

I am a 20-year-old woman. I have a learning disability. I don’t learn like other people. I try to do my best. I work hard as I can. I am in my last year of school at Reading High School this school year. It is also my last year at the Reading-Muhlenberg Career and Technology Center.

God is There for You

paint

11" x 14"

Even with a disability, I know God is there for me. I pray to him, he listens. He blesses me and helps me. He loves me just the way that I am.

Aim

paint

11" x 14"

Always aim for your goals. No matter what your disability is, you can do anything you put your mind to. It takes me longer to do things, but when helped I can do it.

Your Best

paint

11" x 14"

I do my best as a person with a disability, and it helps me succeed. I do what I can, and it will get me where I need to be. I work hard and practice.

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