A local artist in a program for young adults with disabilities has just accomplished something few artists have ever achieved. Her work was chosen to promote a new show about young people on the autism spectrum.
7News talked to Sarah Davie about this thrilling honor, her artwork, and her message to others with learning challenges.
You may have seen the bold, brightly colored promotional material for the new show on Amazon Prime about young adults with autism, called As We See It. The rainbow of geometric shapes on the backdrop artwork was created by Rockville artist Sarah Davie.
“Honestly it feels great to show the art and to let others know who is on the spectrum it sends a message that you can do it,” Davie said.
Davie did the piece as an artist in Rockville, Md. at Visarts, an art program for young adults with disabilities. Her message is inclusivity.
The title is called “The vision of pride.”
“The artwork is based on all colors, like skin colors, gender identities, all colors for everybody just to let everybody know everybody is welcome with all colors, different colors.”
Davie said living with disabilities left her struggling to adjust and find purpose and joy. But, when she discovered art, her life changed for the better.
“It feels great it’s like therapy. It calms me down and keeps me busy. I feel so much confidence, like when I do artwork.”
And it’s allowed her to thrive in other areas of her life too. Davie is also the goalie for the Montgomery Cheetahs, a special hockey team for kids with developmental disabilities. Her artwork will show she’s also a huge fan of the Washington Capitals.
Sarah’s mom’s advice to parents out there.
“Find what makes your child shine,” said Lisa Davie. “She [Sarah] does art that helps her through tough situations, to celebrate nature, the eagles and the capitals, she does art to get her through all of that, the good and the bad and it’s really wonderful to see her blossom.”
Like the moment she saw her artwork displayed in the middle of Times Square New York.
“Honestly, at first my reaction, my mom showed me the photo and I said ‘is this real,’ she said ‘yes it’s real,’ I was in shock with happiness!”
Sarah told 7News she has now had several pieces of her art commissioned, so she is proud to report she is a working artist doing what she loves as a career.
Originally published on 7News DC
