Youth & Family Services, Inc. (YFS), in partnership with AutismOklahoma, to sponsor The Big Swanky Art Show, a collaborative art show for artists with autism. The show will feature the work of 12 emerging artists from the autism community.

The Big Swanky Art Show will be hosted at Rainbow Fleet Child Care Resource and Referral in the Paseo Arts District on Friday, August 7 from 6:00-9:00pm as part of the First Friday gallery walk.  The show is funded, in part, by a grant from the Oklahoma Arts Council.

The Big Swanky Art Show serves as a means to engage, develop, and celebrate artistic talents in the autism community.  The art show is preceded by a six day art camp where the entire collection is created under the guidance of 4 local professional artists.

“Experiences like this are important because people with autism often have limited opportunities to explore their interests.” says Dee Blose, YFS Executive Director  “We’re attempting to create an environment where natural talents and interests are paired with the right supports and opportunities for a person with autism to thrive. A medium like art can overcome any disability.”

“This is a one of a kind experience for everyone involved.” says Melinda Lauffenburger, AutismOklahoma Executive Director.

This year’s show has been under the direction of Lisa Robinson, visual artists from the Fine Arts Institute of Edmond.  “This show includes some unique and different collaborative art projects.  It has been so much fun to work with each of the artists and see them grow in skills and confidence through this experience.”  says Robinson.

Youth & Family Services, Inc. (YFS) is a 501(c)3 charity that has been meeting critical community needs for children since 1974.  They currently provide over 10 programs to serve youth in Canadian, Blaine, Kingfisher, and Oklahoma Counties.  More than 2,600 individuals receive help from YFS annually.