An exhibit showcasing works created by young artists with autism opens today at McMinn County Living Heritage Museum in Athens, Tenn.
“Artistic Expressions: Art as Therapy” will continue through April 30. A meet-the-artists reception, co-hosted by the Autism Support Group of McMinn County, is scheduled at 7 p.m. Monday.
The exhibit includes pieces by rising artist Derrick Freeman, who was diagnosed with autism at age 2. Unable to learn and use language like most children, he learned to express his perceptions of life and everyday living through his drawings and other artwork.
“Derrick’s art sings with splashes of color, confident strokes and compositions that evoke a wide range of emotions,” according to exhibit organizers. “Today, 18-year-old Derrick is a talented and prolific artist.”
Other featured art was created Saturday in a workshop at the museum that used art as therapy to address the symptoms of individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Participants created scenes with various colorful and textured fabrics that they painted and embellished.