Promoting Aspiring Artists with Autism
About Us
Why we do it
We help individuals with autism have meaningful lives with purpose, by focusing on their talents and abilities and helping them build a business around those talents. We believe supported self-employment is a very viable alternative for paid employment. We offer opportunities for emerging and aspiring artists with autism to be recognized for their talent and not defined by their circumstances. Our beginnings started in a small gallery space sponsored by the Festival Marketplace in Pompano Beach, FL. The Autism Art Gallery (January 2015-May 2025) provided real time retail sales experiences in a real art gallery with free exhibit space for the members of AWA. AWA members acquired many necessary business and social skills while "working" at the Gallery. The Gallery was run 100% by volunteers and the artists with autism. For many customers this was the first and only interaction meeting an individual with autism. Because when you have met a person with autism, you have met One person with autism.
Autism Art Gallery- A Unique Gift Store
This "Training Gallery" for artists to learn business skills in a live retail setting as well as develop the social skills needed to help them succeed in their own self-employment ventures is and was the first and only one of its kind. At AWA ,we are "Promoting Micro-enterprising, Providing Opportunities, Creating Independence" for adults with autism who have aged out of the school system and want to focus on their art talent. Though the Autism Art Gallery in Pompano Beach will close its doors on May 23, 2025, due to the demolition of the Festival Marketplace, we hope to look for other opportunities to continue our mission.
A Gallery and gift Store
The Autism Art Gallery offered handmade gift items, greeting cards, T-shirts and affordably priced original artworks and reprints of various sizes all created by individuals with autism. Art mediums include acrylics, watercolors, digital, photography and handmade jewelry and gifts. We also helped to support other local organizations that share our same goals. The Artists received the proceeds from the sale of their items to reinvest into their business. As a non-profit exhibition space and studio dedicated to helping aspiring artists on the autism spectrum gain work experience, our members received life changing experiences that helps to dismiss many myths about autism.
Help Our Cause
Artists with Autism, Inc is a 501(c)3 nonprofit based in South Florida, USA. Your support and generous contributions will enable us to meet our goals and improve our programs. Thanks for supporting our mission.
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.• 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352)
