Thursday, September 2, 2010

Thursday Triumph

 I'mmmm baaaack! Did anyone miss me?? I have been out of commission for the last couple of days with a stomach bug.  I will spare your delicate sensibilities the graphic details.
Anyway, so I am feeling better and ready for this week's post of Thursday Triumph or Tantrum; this week is a triumph.  Yay!! I feel good, so let's share the love...   :)

Artist opens show at Ramapo College

Alex Kasket, a 23 year-old artist, lives in Westchester County, New Jersey. Masket is completely self-taught and has freedoms unimaginable to most other artists. He doesn't have to buy his materials or make money for rent. He isn't worried about critics or a judgmental art world. He doesn't care. Really. But he's happy to stand in the spotlight while others admire his work. On the way to a show he might say, "I am a movie star."

But this isn't some independently wealthy, self-absorbed artist in action. "I am a movie star" is actually one of the few things Alex can say. He is severely autistic and what his mother, Elaine, calls functional non-verbal. He knows maybe 50 words, by her estimate, but he mainly communicates through sounds, facial expressions and his art. Read the entire story here.


What amazing, special, one-of-a-kind thing have you encountered this week? How do you overcome challenges?  

3 comments:

  1. Incredible story! I'm so glad to have jumped in on your BlogFrog discussion and had the opportunity to read about this amazing young man. Wish I were closer so I could see his art in-person!

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  2. Right about now, I'm wishing I lived anywhere near New Jersey! I love hearing success stories, particularly peeps with autism (and their families) finding a way to make their talents/love/perseverative behavior work for them!! One of my kidlets is autistic and its so nice to see/feel/read the encouragement. Thank goodness for the net & bloggers like you sharing! :> (I've hopped here from BF, SITS!)

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  3. I know, isn't it cool. I would love to see his work also!

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