Capitol Showcase Art Exhibition 2024

I am an attendee of the Azalea Training Center in Millbrook, which I enjoy. I enjoy doing artwork and attend art classes weekly. I also love animals and have a service dog named Bella, another dog, Watson, and a cat named Groot. I participate in the Field of Dreams baseball. I was on the yearbook staff at Tallassee High School.

I am a triplet and have a brother and a sister.

Alyssa
Hoppy Day
NFS

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I am extra. … I have an extra chromosome 21. I am 24 years old. I have overcome health challenges, including open heart surgery. My family says that I am a trouper as I continue to thrive.

I use my hands to serve. I color and mail Bible verses to encourage others. I also volunteer at a thrift store and assemble children’s activity bags for my church. I enjoy doing art and music at BraveHeart in Auburn. I made this handprint art at Expressions of a BraveHeart. I hope it encourages you to be brave and to serve too. We all have the ability to serve.

Andrew
The Work of My Hands
NFS

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I was born and raised in the state of Alabama. I love to draw. It helps me cope and to ease my mind of things such as arguing with someone. I go and draw. That helps a lot, and my sickness is schizophrenia. I seem to draw sometimes what I see, and I was 6 years when I began. So I was diagnosed schizophrenic at the age of 6, and now I’m living independent on my own with my father and doing better.

Chasie
Let Me Be Goofy
$100

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I am a 41-year-old woman who enjoys engaging in arts and crafts activities and hosting monthly themed celebrations. I enjoy spending time with my family and boyfriend. My favorite colors are red and blue.

I am very artistic and spend my quality time drawing, coloring, and creating pictures. Although I have a diagnosis of intellectual disability, I do not let that stop me. I still managed to be a self-taught artist.

Rena
Unicorn
$20

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In my life, I enjoy doing art. I am self-taught. At the age of 13 years, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Art and journaling are comforting and help me to express what I am thinking. My mother and siblings did not treat me any differently. My family and art gave me independence and helped me with my daily living skills.

Deatice
The Basket
$25

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My family is my life. My pastor would not let anyone do anything wrong to me. Art helps me feel in control and makes me smile. It helps me feel appreciated and accomplished. The church is the place that makes me feel I belong and am appreciated.

Tammy
First Baptist Church
$40

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My art is artistic, abstract art. I love music and muscle cars and trucks. I like to ride my electric bike, and I enjoy living by myself in my own house. I play video games and can remember the names of all I have ever played. Ask me for any directions to anywhere I have been only once, and I can take you there. I hope my art makes you happy.

Lance
Artistic Art
NFS

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I am a very friendly person who loves to interact with others. I am always willing to help and enjoy being a helper. I have a talent for making bracelets and other crafts and often share my creations with my friends at the day program. I enjoy doing word searches, coloring, and math workbooks.

Meosha
Untitled
$50

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My name is Devonte, and I am 34 years old. One obstacle I have faced in life is a mental illness known as paranoid schizophrenia. This mental illness causes me to see objects that are distorted, which may lead to anxiety. At times, I have heard static, which made my thoughts very uncomfortable.

I have overcome many challenges on my road to becoming as independent as I am. Finding my purpose in life has helped me focus better on the task presented to me. Living with a mental illness caused a lack of confidence. With my artwork, I continue to display my talent to the world, trying to focus on the bigger picture. I became a self-taught artist by learning the basic skills first – freestyling the letters of the alphabet. I like the kind of art I do because there is no limitation to designing anything with the tools required for the completion of perfection.

Devonte
Handsome Port
Make an Offer

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Mine is mostly an irregular affect feature with intrusive dissociative logic. Integration into social, purposeful experience has been horrific because of it, but every deficiency can be a building enabler, and mine enriched me soulfully.

I’m mostly self-taught, and my joining up with ADMH’s art cause was an automatic and natural occurrence. I was glad to do so. It’s an intriguing and captivating growing event. As a creator, I submit myself to dream and daydream for the obscure messages I translate. I’m motivated by artists of history who did little but decipher code from their dream inner drive.

Mark
Codependency
$25

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I’m Brandi. I am 40 years old. I love painting with acrylics. I love my family and Bob Ross and love myself and being better with my bipolar disorder.

Brandi
The Gardens
$300

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My name is Hailey, but my family and closest friends like to call me Hailey Bug. I was born with Down syndrome, and I have overcome many obstacles in my life. However, these challenges have not stopped me from being an amazing friend, bowler, and swimmer!

On the weekends, I enjoy working at Bitty & Beau’s. I enjoy painting, and I use every color in the box! I even create art through my photography on BCPP’s (BraveHeart Center for Peace and Purpose) photo walks.

Hailey
Peek Through the Heart Bricks
NFS

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Hello, my name is Lanier, and I’m a bubbly, animal-loving, bright individual. I was born cognitively disabled, which presents as limited verbal, written, and physical abilities.

I am able to express myself through BCPP’s (BraveHeart Center for Peace and Purpose) photo walks, coloring, and watercolor painting. I like to use many different colors, but pink and yellow are my favorites. I like to take close-up pictures of things and people that catch my interest. I love listening to music, singing, and spending time with my parents, brothers, and BCPP family.

Lanier
Close-up Gears
NFS

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I have PTSD and bipolar. I lived in 21 different foster homes growing up. I started learning how to read at age 60 because I am dyslexic. I had medication that induced Parkinson’s disease. I’m a self-taught artist, and I have had some artistic training at SOMI (Survivors of Mental Illness) Club (in Mobile) and at a college in Massachusetts.

Now, I help teach kids on the weekends, and we have banana splits. I also teach people how to cook and paint. God is giving me a gift: cooking. I feel as if I’m starting to live without guilt. I am thankful to be alive. If I don’t create artwork and paint, I don’t feel alive, and I curl up in a ball in the bed and sleep. I’ve gone back to socializing with other people, and I’m starting to draw and paint again. Since my hand injury, I’ve had to relearn how to draw and paint with my left hand.

Helen
Heat of the Night
$100

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Art was uncovered by unimaginable thoughts. I didn’t know I had this gift. I realized art can come out of the mind. When I was young, my father would tell me to draw a portrait of him. I thought it was impossible until years later, when I was locked up. I had only crayons, markers, and a pencil. I put it to use and created portraits, and it felt like they came to life.

It’s like performing magic but it’s just art. I first started making portraits and then creating things and the thing that inspired me was wanting to be like the people I drew. Then my mind began to explore, and it feels like being in a dream.

Jesus
My Dreams
$150

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Hi! My name is Dani, and I’m a social butterfly who thrives off human interaction. I was born with Pachygyria, which causes me to be emotional and impulsive at times. The upside to this challenge is that my positive energy is contagious because I love to laugh with friends and give them hugs.

I love that I can capture my feelings through my photography. I really like photos of family and friends. My favorite photos on BraveHeart’s photo walks are the ones of the friends and staff. I like to look at my photos to relive fun times.

Dani
Elegant Columns
NFS

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My name is Chester. I attend Hale County Activity Center in Greensboro. I like to draw, and my favorite thing to draw is houses.

Chester
House
NFS

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My name is Theresa. I am 55 years old. I was born and raised in Miami, Florida. My mother passed when I was young, and I moved to Alabama with relatives. My only brother passed away a few years ago. I live alone, and it has taught me to be more independent. I cook, sew, and keep my apartment clean.

I just recently started painting, and I want to get better and better. I am teaching myself. Painting makes me happy. I painted a picture of a rainbow. I love rainbows because they are so pretty, and I remember seeing rainbows in Miami with my mother.

Theresa
Rainbow Rain
$10

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My House is the name of my drawing. I love to draw and color in The ARC day program every day. I love to sing karaoke with my friends. Being in a wheelchair makes it hard to get around, but I make the best of it.

Wayne
My House
NFS

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My name is Lisa and I have been diagnosed with an intellectual disability. I like drawing hearts and flowers.

Lisa
Heart
NFS

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I was taught art in the ninth and 10th grades. It helps me relieve stress, anxiety, and depression. I am overcoming schizophrenia by overcoming symptoms of my illness.

Art helps me stamp out stigma and personal problems. It allows me to show my abilities. Doing art with others in the workshop helps me feel joy with others, relieves stress and pain. When I accomplish something, I feel independent. Going to the Capital to show my art helps me feel others care.

I was first diagnosed with anxiety and depression with Parkinson’s disease. This was by my first doctor at New Horizons. I can relate with others who have the same problems. I take my medicine as prescribed and learned how to take care of myself.

I go to my parents’ house every Friday and help them clean and wash dishes. My mom teaches me how to cook. I painted the heart above a mountaintop because I enjoy nature and the sound of a cool breeze through the trees. I show my appreciation to the health workers who do a great job at helping everyone.

Travis
First Love
NFS

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Hi, I’m Cassandra, a local Artist, and I would like to share a little bit of my story with you. I was born in Montgomery, in the year of 1957. In 1969, I moved with my family to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia where we spent 3.5 years. From there, we moved back to Alabama, and I graduated from high school. Next, we moved to Munich, West Germany, and I started my college studies at the University of Maryland (European Division). I moved back to the US in 1978 and continued my studies at Alabama A&M University where I graduated with a Major in Art & French.

I love to draw, it’s wonderfully therapeutic and opens a whole new world to you. It also helps to build skills like problem-solving, concentration, building patience, and more. The medium that I use is colored pencils. I like doing landscapes, still life, and more. I hope you will enjoy my work as much as I do.

Cassandra
Untitled
NFS

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I have struggled with depression and sadness my entire life. Even as a child, I always felt I experienced sadness differently than others. I hope that my opening up about my struggle with recurring depression helps others.

I use art as an outlet to express my sadness, but also when I am happy. I hope by looking at my art others can see that out of darkness, we can create light, and out of sorrow, we can build happiness.

I have led an interesting life saturated in the arts, from lead dancer to choreographer to local artist. I left Mobile early in life to seek culture in other communities. I spent over a decade in Los Angeles, California, the Art Capital of the United States. I have served on numerous artistic boards, including the Anaheim Museum of Arts, the Boys and Girls Club of Anaheim sponsored by Disney, as well as many others.

Tyrome
Away from Here
NFS

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I am originally from Houston County. There are many obstacles that I have had to overcome in life. I was born with cerebral palsy with a limb difference. As a child, I was diagnosed with a mild intellectual disability that made learning in school very difficult, and in middle school, I was diagnosed with schizophrenia, which also negatively affected my learning and behavior. Due to these diagnoses, I would often exhibit negative behaviors that would cause me to get in trouble, but that did not stop me from one of my favorite hobbies, drawing.

I like to draw because it calms me down, and it is fun. I taught myself how to draw with the help of some teachers in school. My favorite things to draw are robots, androids, cyborgs, avatars, and Pokemon characters. I like drawing those things because they are different. The robots, androids, and cyborgs are cool because many of them are made of different things like, glass, metal, etc.

Zavier
My Creations vs. Pokemon Series: 6DS
NFS

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My name is Ronald. I was born in October 1954 in Hillman Hospital in Birmingham. My mental illness is depression and paranoid schizophrenia. I was diagnosed in 1982 at the age of 28. I am now in recovery and hope to get better soon.

I am a self-taught artist. I like art because my drawing and painting relate to how I am feeling. Art helps my anxiety and relaxes me.

Ronald
First Street
$15

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My art has my name in the middle of my painting. I want everyone to know it’s me. I lost my sight in one of my eyes as a child. I love my music on my phone and listen to it every day. I attend the ARC day program with my friends.

LC
The Man, the Legend
NFS

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My journey of life that led to mental health started in 2018 when I started hearing voices and seeing things that weren’t there. God gave me a second chance to get it right. He allowed me to come to East Alabama Mental Health, where they have helped me to become stable and shown me a lot about life.

I watched Bob Ross doing art and explaining in a simple way how to do art, so I tried for the first time at an art workshop. The reason I painted “A Happy Sunny Day” is because that is what I wish I can have. My day of being totally independent is coming.

Lee
A Happy Sunny Day
Make an Offer

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My name is Paula. I attend Hale County Activity Center in Greensboro. My favorite art is painting. My art is of two flowers, two doors, and window shades on a house.

Paula
House
NFS

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I am a 43-year-old woman who celebrated my birthday April 20. I like praises and to be acknowledged with compliments. I love to get my hair done and look pretty. Although I use words to communicate, I love sign language. My favorite music is gospel, which I call “God songs.” I love to go to church and sing in the choir, and I am a very involved member.

I am a self-taught artist who uses art as therapy. I chose to paint a picture of my dog. I love him dearly and take good care of him.

Michelle
My Dog
$20

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Obstacles I have faced in life is getting away from bad behavior and trouble with talking to people. My illness is schizophrenia – voices that tell me to kill myself. My mother passed away. The medicine has helped and the people at ADS. I am learning to speak up for myself. I am working on my recovery by socialization and learning I have a right to be here.

I took art in the ninth grade. The art workshop helped me have peace of mind. It is fun, and I see nature. I feel it helps me complete a goal, and I feel good about myself.

Latrice
Beautiful Sunshine
$15

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My name is Sherrell, and my independence and determination are powerful qualities that define me beyond any difficulties I may face. Despite my speech challenges, I continue to pursue my love for the Auburn family, sports, and capturing the joy of people and places in photos. BCPP (BraveHeart Center for Peace and Purpose) serves as a happy place where I can express my passion for art through photography, assist my friends and staff, and contribute to the community.

Sherrell
Fly War Eagle
NFS

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My name is Chelsea, and I have been diagnosed with an intellectual disability. A challenge that I have struggled with is overcoming my bipolar disorder. I like drawing, and I would like to someday become a famous artist.

Chelsea
Moon Shadow Goddess
$20

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I prefer to go by the name “Shay.” I am a very friendly person who always greets people with a big smile. I am an avid sports fan and some of my favorite teams include the Atlanta Braves, Detroit Pistons, and the Alabama Crimson Tide.

I love watching “The Masked Singer” and “Family Feud.” On Sundays, I attend Mount Joy Baptist Church where I sing in the church choir. I take pride in my appearance and like to get my hair styled and wear matching accessories with my outfits.

Shadiran
Untitled
$50

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I am a mental health patent. My diagnosis is schizophrenia. I have been with East Alabama Mental Health Center since 2004. I am a high school graduate from Opelika High Class of 2002. I was born overseas in Nuremburg, Bavaria, Germany in 1984.

My mom passed in 2004, and my siblings have been my dependents since then. I now have two young men; they are 21 and 20. Both have scholarships in college – one in basketball and the other in music choir. I love my boys dearly, and they love me. I am a proud father.

I work for the work crew here at the Adult Day Services, and I get paid every two weeks. I have two sisters and one brother, and they made me an uncle and at great uncle. I love arts and crafts, meditation, and reading.

Andre
A Warrior’s Time
$18

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Art relieves my mind stress and relaxes my mind. It helps me recall I can do things. It gives me a sense of self-reliance and accomplishment.

It has helped me with my ministry and has shown me I’m in control. It helps me focus. It helps me get thoughts and memory together. I took art and mechanical drawing and art appreciation at Southern Union and pottery and ceramics in Wadley.

Ricky
Windy Rain
NFS

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My name is Drew, and I was born with autism. For me, autism presents daily challenges that surround regulating and balancing the collection of intense thoughts and feelings that run through me each day. These challenges do not hold me back from having an open heart, a welcoming personality, and a mind that embraces memories.

I first began taking pictures with a camera that I received one Christmas. I like being with my BraveHeart friends to take pictures of them.

Drew
Hidden Patterns
NFS

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I attend The ARC of Clarke County day program in Thomasville. I love my friends and family. I’m always ready to help when I can.

Michael
The Chimney
NFS

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My name is Tim, and I have been diagnosed with an intellectual disability. One of the things that I have had to struggle with is the death on one of my uncles. It was hard at first, and I did a lot of crying.
I am a self-taught artist because I have not had formal training. I enjoy doing art because it makes me happy. I like trying different kinds of paintings.

Timothy
Tornado Destroys Island
$20

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I am Dorsey, a typical girl with autism spectrum disorder. When I was younger, I was described as non-verbal. I have kept a job for 11 years and love serving people at my work. I sometimes forget I have obstacles because I love to try everything.

At BCPP (BraveHeart Center for Peace and Purpose), I get to make friends, learn photography, and be part of my community. Some of my favorite activities are Special Olympics swimming and attending Auburn sports events and concerts. Expressing myself through photography helps others see my capabilities and talents.

Dorsey
View to the Pond
NFS

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My name is Cam’ron. Many people would say that I am a kind-hearted and helpful young man. I am empowered by photography to express myself despite my challenges with verbal communication.

BraveHeart Center for Place and Purpose helps me be more connected to my community through photo walks.

Cam’ron
Books in a Row
NFS

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My name is Jackson. I have autism. I have always been verbal, but I struggle with conversations. I am very close to my family and have two brothers that I love very much. Sometimes I let my TV talking get in the way of having good conversations with people.

I like to take pictures on our walks at BCPP (BraveHeart Center for Peace and Purpose). Photographing all the restaurants and food trucks in town is my favorite thing to do. Although I may not talk directly to people often, I am very present and a keen observer of everything around me.

Jackson
Evergreen Ever Beautiful
NFS

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I have been in two comas. I have had to learn how to walk and talk again. Art has helped me learn to express myself. Art helps me with my anger without being violent. It helps me show myself good and bad can go hand and hand. It represents my inner mindset. Art is another shield I use to express my heart.

Jarquis
Life of a Bishop
Make an Offer

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My name is Roy. I fought in the Vietnam War. My illness is PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). After returning from the war, I was very depressed and angry. As a young man, I did not understand why I felt the way I did until I was diagnosed.

I was able to free hand at an early age. Attending the 1920 Club (in Birmingham) gave me the ability to bring my drawing and painting skills back to life to help me deal with the some of the mental illness that I face. Art is what makes me smile.

Roy
The Golden Gate Bridge
$5

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I am working on overcoming my insomnia. My illness is paranoid schizophrenia. I have had many obstacles in my life. I divorced and had my children taken away from me due to my illness. My belief in God has helped me overcome a lot of stress in my life. I took art from the seventh through the 12th grade.

Art helps me focus positive feelings. It helps me believe in myself. It feels good to show at the Capitol, and it makes me feel good to show my abilities.

The animals and trees make me feel close to nature. It shows me that I can do something real. It helps me feel a part of life. Art helps me feel more independent.

Sharon
Happy Easter
$15

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My name is Duygu. I am a very friendly and outgoing individual with Down syndrome, which involves some physical and mental limitations. None of these challenges keep me from dancing joyfully or enjoying walks and conversations with my friends.

At Braveheart Center for Place and Purpose, I get to use a camera as an outlet to express myself and capture beauty all around me. My photos are reminders of activities and people I enjoy.

Duygu
Flower Friends
NFS

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My name is Brianna! One of my favorite things to do is sing in the choir at my church and greet people! If I ever see someone in need, I am always happy to lend a helping hand.

With Down Syndrome it can sometimes be a challenge for me to express myself. One way that I like to communicate with others is through art and photography. I love to build connections with people that I meet at BraveHeart’s! It is fun to learn about other people and share my stories. I have the most contagious laugh that will bring a smile to your face!

Brianna
Flowers in the Sky
NFS

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Hi! My name is Cari, and I am a huge Auburn fan. I was born with Down syndrome, which presented many different obstacles as I grew up. My parents and sisters provided me with many opportunities to observe and socialize with people who were both alike and different from me.

I love to participate in everything, including photography, which helps build my confidence and social interaction skills. One place I enjoy being is with my friends at BraveHeart Center for Place and Purpose.

Cari
Down the Alley
NFS

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Hi, my name is Laney! Singing and dancing are two of my favorite activities to do. I know just about every song on the radio! I am a triplet and have two of the best brothers in the world. I love participating in activities such as dance, bingo, game nights, art, and photography.

I have autism, which means it can be difficult for me to process certain things. With that also comes the challenge of expressing myself. I have a big smile that can brighten any room, and I love to give a friendly “hello” to everyone I meet on my BraveHeart photo walks!

Laney
Texture Up Close
NFS

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So many times, during my journey through mental illness I felt Him calming the churning waters around me.

Sheila
He Calms the Waters
$500

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I am an attendee of the Azalea Training Center in Millbrook. I participate in Field of Dreams baseball. I enjoy riding my golf cart, walking, watching movies, bowling, eating very spicy foods, and hanging out with friends.

Cheyenne
Happy Weather
NFS

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My name is Wyvetta, and I have been diagnosed with an intellectual disability. I did not have formal art training, but I am self-taught. I like doing art because it makes me feel good. I like to draw flowers.

Wyvetta
Spring Flower
$20

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I love to draw and do arts and crafts. I spend most of my time at The ARC of Clarke County day program making beaded jewelry. I love Jesus. I like to spend my time with friends. I really enjoy my trips to Hobby Lobby.

Jane
The Rose
NFS

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Hello, I’m Conner. I’m 10 years old. I’m the oldest of four children. I’m in the fourth grade at Wilson Elementary School. My artwork was featured in the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts during the D.A.T.S.M.O.M. (Disability as an Ability Toward Success: Moms on the Move) Faces of Autism exhibit, student artworks section.

I experience many barriers as an individual on the autism spectrum so I know how it feels to feel chained. Being on the spectrum and an African-American boy makes it even harder to navigate in this world. I read affirmations my mom wrote for me every day. It helps me believe in myself. I can be free and be me. My art piece is titled “Let Free-D.O.M. Bleed: Breaking the Chains,” because I believe the barriers we face as oppressed people, overlooked people, under-represented and underserved people have to be broken by us.

Conner
Let Free-D.O.M. Bleed: Breaking the Chains
NFS

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I am a devoted Alabama football fan and love attending the games with my mother. Apart from watching football games, I enjoy riding my four-wheeler, taking care of my dogs at home, and listening to music. I value the support and encouragement I receive from staff and peers.

I am known to be friendly and helpful towards others. Although I like to joke around, I can be serious when the situation demands it.

Meagan
Untitled
$50

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I love The ARC of Clarke County.
I love my life coach.
I love myself too.

Toyki
Cups
NFS

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I have faced may obstacles in life but having seizures in college was the most challenging. A challenge that I have overcome in life is graduating from college with an engineering degree.

I started drawing at a young age while in school, and I am self-taught. I enjoy drawing because it is relaxing, and it brings me a sense of joy.

George
Yu-Gi-Oh
NFS

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My name is Doris, but everyone calls me “Maxine.” I attend Hale County Activity Center in Greensboro. My favorite art is painting. My picture is boys and girls playing.

Doris
Green
NFS

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I am a very smart and creative person. I take pleasure in creating bracelets and engaging in arts and crafts activities with my friends at the day program. I enjoy painting pictures of various animals. I often have a sweet tooth and enjoy vanilla ice cream and white confetti cake – my favorites! During my leisure time, my friends and I entertain ourselves by playing Wheel of Fortune and Bingo.

Sarah
Untitled
$50

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I have been taken advantage of or treated unfairly with less opportunities and academic problems that were hard. Getting a high school diploma came later with help from other people (learning to say, “NO” in my life).

I have always liked art and enjoyed it in my spare time as a nobody. School art classes were fun, and independent lessons at the Exceptional Foundation were fun too. Art helps me relax. Woodie Long (a famous folk artist) influenced me to work on art. I have one of his paintings in my house.

Anne
Sea Turtle
NFS

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I was born with Down Syndrome and severe apraxia, a speech disorder that limits my communication with the world around me. Sometimes it is very frustrating to not be understood, but in my photos, you can see the same world I see.

I love my family and am an awesome uncle. I feel proud when sharing my photographs at BraveHeart’s photo exhibits.

Brady
View through the Arch
NFS

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Hello, my name is Jeramie, and I have an intellectual disability. One challenge that I had to overcome was moving from West Virginia to Alabama to live closer to my aunt and uncle. Another challenge I had to overcome in life was my mother being placed in the nursing home here in Alabama. By me being the only child, I was sad about it at first, but now I feel okay with it. My staff takes me to visit with my mom two or three times a month. I am a self-taught artist, and free hand painting is something I love to do.

Jeramie
Comfy Bed
NFS

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Hello, I am Mateo. I live in the city of Auburn, but I am from Peru. I was born Dec. 24, Christmas Eve! I am 18 years old and have a loving family consisting of two brothers and my mom and dad. I really like to paint because it relaxes me. I like to use different colors, but my favorite is blue. I am new to my community, and I am meeting new people and starting to do other activities, such as learning how to relate to others, dancing, helping others, cleaning.

I am very grateful to BraveHeart for their great support.

Mateo
To the Moon and Stars
NFS

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My drawing is of pretty flowers on a brick wall. I love to walk every day from my apartment to the day program at The ARC of Clarke County. I stop along the way to visit with friends around my town. I love to listen to music on my phone and watch music videos.

Marcus
Spring on a Brick Wall
$20

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I did art in the 11th grade. Art helps me relax and focus. It feels good to complete my work. The workshop helps me be with others doing art, socializing and completing something I enjoy.

Bipolar is my illness, and art keeps me on track and balances my feelings. I have fun doing art. It helps with my recovery. Showing my art gives me a feeling of accomplishment. I feel proud to show my abilities. Art has brought me out of being silent within myself. It has taught me I have a voice and I can achieve.

Winston
The Wall
$15

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I am a sociable person who enjoys interacting with both providers and peers. I am outgoing, friendly, and very easygoing. I love holidays, especially Christmas, Halloween, and the 4th of July. Fireworks, concerts, barbecues, picnics, and parades are all very entertaining to me. I always want to maintain a neat appearance and love to get my hair cut.

Wayne
Untitled
$50

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Story Missing

Jurez
President Obama
Make an Offer

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I started hearing voices and seeing things when I was 10 years old. Since then, I have been in and out of hospitals and on and off many, many meds. Despite that psychosis, I have been given the blessing of a strong support system. My friends and family are the reasons I keep going.

As a teenager, I looked around and found myself surrounded by aunts, cousins, and grandparents, all of whom were crafters. Tired of feeling isolated from these family members, I decided to learn a craft. That way I could have a point of relationship with generations of Alabama women. I bought my first yarn, and the stars in my life aligned. I haven’t put the yarn down since.

My art and my connection to family, in addition to therapy and medication, are therapeutic to me. Creating art soothes my mind and helps me cope. My afghans are paintings you can wrap yourself in.

Ashley
Untitled
$120

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My art is of a playground and swing, children playing with balls, water in the swimming pool at the playground, with a slide to get on and a gate to come in.

Stephan
Playground
NFS

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I was born in November 1983 and currently live with my mother, in Birmingham. Since 2007, I have been attending The Arc of Central Alabama.

Although I enjoy the company of others, I prefer to keep to myself most of the time. Once a month, I take part in art therapy at Studio by the Tracks in Irondale. My artistic talent has earned me recognition and prizes for some of my drawings.

Charles
Untitled
$50

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That’s my new blue press-on nails in my painting. I love pretty nails and coffee. My goal in life is to have fake nails and lots of coffee. I live with my family and attend the ARC day program with my friends. I love to sit outside with my coffee and talk to others. I like pretty things, especially pretty nails.

Michelle
Nail Project
NFS

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I am a 64-year-old woman who is friendly and outspoken. I love to dance and love all kinds of music. I am very outgoing and am eager to talk with anyone about my interests and things going on in my life.

I love to eat, and my favorite pastime is going to different types of restaurants. I am particularly fond of seafood but love pizza also.

I have a remarkable memory for events in my life. I am very knowledgeable about details of my medical, psychiatric, and medication history. I am courteous and well-spoken and can relate events clearly, giving my own explanations for things that have occurred. I love going out to eat and socializing with friends.

Theresa
Musical Notes
$20

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My name is Zachary, and my picture is a succulent plant. This is a cactus from the desert in the Wild West, where the succulent leaves grow. It won’t pinch you, hurt you, or cause you to put a bandage on your fingers.

Zachary
Succulent Plant
$15

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I am a sociable person who enjoys spending time with my friends and colleagues. When I am at home with my parents, I like to watch movies, especially Hallmark movies. I am fond of music and listen to various genres, but my favorite artists are Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Faith Hill, and Rascal Flatts.

Hollye
Untitled
$50

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I am a 54-year-old male who lives in a group home. I am 5’8” and walk with my head held high. I have good writing, reading, and math skills.

I enjoy relaxing in my room. I have been known to tell certain people I love them with a big smile on my face. I enjoy art, and my art has been sold at several auctions and events in the past.

William
Bright Flower
$20

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Story Missing

Andres
Strength
$50

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My name is Matthew. I have a diagnosis of Mild ID (intellectual disability), but I don’t feel like I have a disability because it does not affect the things I want to do. I live in a small town in Alabama. I started painting when I was young, and my first painting was a duck. Painting makes me feel relaxed, and it’s kind of peaceful.

The name of my picture is Brotherly Love. This is me and my best friend who is African American, and I feel like we are brothers in a way.

Matthew
Brotherly Love
$20

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I started doing art as a little child. Art makes me feel good and helps me express myself to others. I did not have formal art training. Art gives me a feeling of accomplishing my goals and has helped me on my way to recovery by staying focused. My faith is renewed in God.

My illness is schizophrenia. Art with my faith in God has helped me stay focused and relax me. Art has helped me do the right things. I want others to see my art. It makes me feel proud to be showing my abilities and a goal accomplished by showing at the Capitol.

Robert
Faith
NFS

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My teacher in the seventh grade taught me to do art. I have a friend at Adult Day Services that helps me with my art.

Art calms me down. Art helps me think more positively. The workshop helps me with socialization and accomplishment. It helped me smile and show I can do an excellent job with my art. When I do art, I am in control of myself and am doing something good.

Algenor
My Room
$20

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I took art in the eighth grade and continued doing it at home. Art relaxes me. It makes me feel proud and in control.

The workshop has helped me lower my stress. It felt good to socialize with others. Showing my art at the Capitol makes me proud to show my abilities to many individuals. I have had to overcome restlessness and lack of focus. Art has helped me stay on my path to recovery.

Kevin
Wild Tiger
$40

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I have bipolar disorder, autism, fetal alcohol syndrome, anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).

In 2003, I was taken from my parents, and my grandma gained custody of me and my two brothers. I was diagnosed with ADHD at age six and have been going to therapy ever since. My dad died when I was nine which made me spiral into a depression for many years. I even started self-harming in middle school. Luckily, I had people to support me, and I sought help. I haven’t self-harmed in six years now.

I love art because it helps me express myself through my creativity. I usually like to draw. I’m not much of a painter. I like to do manga art. Manga is the Japanese comic book style. I also like to draw video games from time to time. Drawing helps me create a safe space – a world where only paper and pencil exist. That’s why I like drawing and creating art.

Kristen
Autophobia Denied
$30

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I have Down Syndrome, but I live by myself in my very own apartment. I love to cook and draw. I attend the day program at The ARC of Clarke County, where I have many friends. My wish is to attend the prom in a pretty dress with my date. One of my many goals is to be married one day and own my own home.

Deleatha
Fly High, Dream Big
NFS

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I’m in recovery and have been drug- and alcohol-free for five months. I love attending The ARC of Clarke County Day program. I have good friends there.

I have not driven since 1989, when I had a very bad accident and almost died. Big Red, my drawing, is my dream truck. I thank the Lord every day for what I have and for being safe.

Gil
Big Red
Make an Offer

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Art for me was a childhood pastime, a way to express myself without the fear of judgment. Suppressing how I felt for a long time led to a mental break. Being diagnosed with a mental illness was big challenge for me, but with help, I am doing better. I have learned through life that no man is an island alone. We need people not only throughout life, but for understanding. I enjoy a broad array of art forms, but my present scope is in the realm of portraits.

I hope to inspire, educate, and bring attention to others through my art, hoping that just maybe someone will see and recognize the “God spark” behind every eye. We are not differentiated by race, or religion, but by understanding. If we would just step back a moment, we would see that behind every eye there I am.

Jeremy
Eye Am Frederick Douglas
NFS

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Hello, my name is Michael and I have an intellectual disability. One challenge that I had to overcome was the passing of my mother. I am the youngest of nine children and my mother and I did everything together. It was very heartbreaking and emotional for me at first. I still have sad days when she crosses my mind. My mother taught me everything I know about gardening. Gardening is another favorite hobby I have. I am a self-taught artist. Painting is something I have been doing since I was a child. I enjoy painting because it keeps my mind off things and keeps me busy.

Michael
Gardening
NFS

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I attend The ARC of Clarke County day program. I live with my family, but I dream of living on my own. I like to draw; I’ve had no training. I have a big smile and love to give hugs to my friends.

Sendora
Fruits
NFS

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I was born with mental illness. I have autism, epilepsy, depression, anxiety, and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). I was molested as a young age by an educator. I have overcome great loss. I took my challenges and faced them. I work hard to better myself and help others, one smile at a time.

I’ve been an artist since grade school. I am a self-taught artist. I use my art as a medium to express my emotions. I make abstract art. I like because it can be interpreted in many ways, and different people may see something different in the picture or painting.

Sharon
Cosmic Blast
$25

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I love to paint, and I paint every day at The ARC. I have my own table with my paint and brushes. I collect calendars old and new. I live at home with my family and attend church every Sunday. I enjoy the ARC day program, where I have lots of friends and I can work on my art.

Rodrick
Fish
NFS

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I am learning to cope with schizophrenia. I am learning to overcome my stress. The stress causes you to relapse. My illness causes me to worry.

My recovery has been helped by having friends. Art helps me relax. The workshop helps me with socialization and reduces stress. This kind of art helps me express my mind and feelings. This art piece shows trees, ground, a tee pee, and a warrior. It helps me stay focused and in control of myself.

Robert
Tee Pee and the Warrior
Make an OFfer

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Story Missing

Tony
Untitled
NFS

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I’m 65 years old and attend The ARC of Clarke County day program. I used to take care of my brothers and sisters when I was young, but now they take care of me. I like to clean, make beds, wash dishes, and sweep floors. I have been disabled all my life (born) like this. I love people, and I like to smile.

Rosie
Bubble Tree
NFS

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I have cerebral palsy, and transportation is one of my biggest obstacles. I lived with my parents until I started coming to The ARC of Clarke County. Now, with care, I can live in my own apartment and make my own choices. Since I can’t move my arms, I draw with my mouth. I’ve had no formal training. My goal is for you to close your eyes and make my art whatever you want it to be. Just close your eyes and maybe think of a rainbow or the sky, whatever makes you happy.

Matthew
Abstract Art
$10

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I’m a 42-year-old local artist who was born hearing and vision impaired with mild cerebral palsy that affects my fine hand-eye coordination and causes petit mal seizures. Currently, I reside in Mobile, Alabama, with my husband Tom and my two cats, Yoshie and Scarlett.

I love working with and creating new artwork with acrylic and watercolor paints to express my emotions and frustrations in life with dealing with my bipolar II disorder, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), and PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder). In the future, I want to advance my skills as an acrylic and watercolor painter and see where life takes me.

My artist blog is http://meowwomen.blogspot.com/.

Holly
Boater’s Paradise
$100

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