Vista 'Lights It Up Blue' For Autism With Art

A group of talented artists at Vista Life Innovations, a community-based education program for individuals with disabilities, created a three-dimensional work of art in celebration of World Autism Awareness Day on April 2.

The nautical-themed “Light It Up Blue” art piece was completed in less than two weeks with contributions from nine artists in Vista’s Connect Through Art program. A variety of media was used for the project, such as painted light bulbs and foam insulation. The rest of the piece is a combination of paint on canvas and pasted paper drawings.

Artists who lent their talents to the piece are Vista members Chris Bailey, Alex Bond, Teddy Cross, Erin Doyle, Alex Drago, Rachel Goodman, Rachael Hoskin, Jason Jakubovic and Matt Sarti.

The art work was used as an educational tool to raise awareness within the community in the days leading up to World Autism Awareness Day. Vista members Kathleen Cassella, Alex Drago and Tracy Siegelaub traveled to Westbrook High School and Walter C. Polson Middle School in Madison to share the art piece and explain its significance.

Adopted by the United Nations in 2007, World Autism Awareness Day shines a light on autism as a growing global health priority. It is annually highlighted by Autism Speaks’ international Light It Up Blue campaign in which people wear blue to honor those with autism. Iconic landmarks, skyscrapers, homes and businesses participate by illuminating their structures with blue lights.

Connect Through Art is one of the many programs and services offered by Vista. This structured, experiential arts-based day program runs five days a week at Vista’s downtown Madison art studio and event space located at 712 Boston Post Road.

For more information about Vista, visit www.vistalifeinnovations.org.