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Painters from across the kingdom and children with special needs from the RIA Institute Bahrain created colourful canvases and murals at the Bahrain Financial Harbour’s Harbour Gate in a bid to spread awareness about autism through an inclusive and fun-filled art event.
The Art for Autism Awareness initiative was organised by institute volunteer and author Sarah Clarke, in association with the RIA centre in Adliya, as highlighted in last week’s GulfWeekly, with the aim of educating people about the challenging disorder.
It has also given children a chance to showcase their work as well as express themselves. Sarah, 53, managing director at DSC Solutions, which is working towards establishing a fully certified Educational Support Dog Programme in Bahrain, said: “Autism is a highly complex, life-long developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people and the world around them.
“The unique thing about it is that, just as every child is different and has different abilities, so too are autistic children. Their way of communicating or interacting with the world varies in multiple ways, meaning their needs are different too.
“The event has proven to be unbelievably amazing and it was astonishing that so many people turned out on the first day. Everyone was getting a paint brush and doing great work. You don’t need any talent to participate in this event. You just come along and have some fun.”
The five-day campaign, which will end tomorrow, boasted a giant graffiti wall created by the Dirty Hands Crew duo, Marylou Hebert, 25, and Arnaud Rothfuss, 32.
The mural featured the face of Sarah’s rescue dog Baloo, the star of two books and who brings laughter and joy to autistic children at RIA, a registered nursery, working to both the Arabic and British nursery curriculums, fully integrated for children of all abilities and nationalities, and a learning centre offering rehabilitation for older children who, for whatever reason, do not fit into mainstream schools.
Other features in the artwork included the Bahrain Financial Harbour Towers and a giant ribbon symbolising the disorder. The wall also featured the word ‘inclusion’ with two hands holding pieces of a jigsaw puzzle which US ambassador to Bahrain, Justin Siberell and his wife Arnavaz, painted parts of along with Angus Campbell, BFH’s CEO, and Bahraini photographer, Haider Al Rafiey
“I was really happy to see so many people painting together on the wall, the puzzle pieces and also creating their own works of art. It was absolutely amazing,” said Marylou.
The puzzle piece symbol is said to reflect the complexity of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Adults and children painted wooden jigsaw puzzle pieces that will make up a giant ribbon. Others painted pieces that were left bare on the wall.
Batul Mustafa, 18, sketched and painted a mandala, which is a spiritual symbol in Hinduism and Buddhism representing the universe, to the graffiti mural while others filled in the puzzle pieces.
Batul, from Budaiya, said: “I did not know what autism was before this event. I then researched it and wanted to be a part of it. Autistic people are very creative and it was great to paint with them. It was my pleasure to participate. It helped educate and spread awareness as well as helped me explore my creativity and even change my mind-set.”
Christine Gordon, co-founder of RIA and mother of Othmaan Al Attar, 22, who was the inspiration behind the campaign, brought a group of students aged between 10 and 22 from the institute to paint and enjoy the activities. Othmaan also captivated people with his large depiction of the towers.
She said: “Watching talented artist Othmaan was wonderful. Autistic children don’t want to be alone all the time. They do want to do things as a group and to be included. Inclusion is really important. Don’t judge and be happy!”
Societies such as American Women’s Association placed a stand at the event and other artists such as Carlo Rico, 52, the creative manager of Paint & Palette studio in Budaiya, shared his artistic knowledge and art work.
Carlo, who painted an impression of the harbour’s horizon and cityscape, said: “It feels wonderful to be a part of this event. These children are very talented and they are amazing. This is great exposure for them and a good way for them to express themselves.”
Small school groups (maximum 10) can still register to take part in the jigsaw and graffiti wall by calling RIA 17742871. The event is held from 9.30am to 11.30am.
