Exhibit, film features artist with autism
October 7, 2014
907-474-7902
10/7/14
A new art exhibit, "From Thomas the Tank Engine to the White Pass" will open Oct. 13 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. with a reception and the world premiere screening of "Basically Me," a 10-minute feature film by Leonard Kamerling. The opening will take place in the University of Alaska Fairbanks art department gallery in the Fine Arts Building on the Fairbanks campus. Following the premiere, the artist and filmmaker will be available for discussion.
The exhibit features the work of Ryan Matthews, an artist and UAF employee who experiences autism spectrum disorder. In the film, "Basically Me," Matthews discusses his relationship to art, trains, disability and life.
The exhibit highlights the development of a young man’s single subject interest in trains beginning in early childhood and continuing through adulthood. In the film, Matthews discusses successfully learning to manage his disability and thrive. The exhibit will include a model railroad on display, a Thomas The Tank Engine play area, train book displays and information on autism spectrum disorder. The film "Basically Me" will be available for viewing throughout the exhibit.
The exhibit is a collaborative effort funded by UAF People’s Endowment and curated by UAF Disability Services in celebration of Disability Employment Awareness Month. The exhibit will run through Oct. 25 and will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 18, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 19, from 1 to 5 p.m.
ADDITIONAL CONTACT: UAF Disability Services 907-474-5655 or uaf-disabilityservices@alaska.edu.
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