Angel Boy Art - Online Gallery for Kids With Special Needs

I was recently asked to review Angel Boy Art which isapproach a handicapped child a way in. By talking with
a non-profit organization that hosts an online gallery forthe parents about the child's art they can learn about
kids with special needs to show off and/or sell theirthe child's disability in a natural way."
masterpieces. I was touched by mission statement ofThis unique art gallery for children with special needs
this organization which is as follows:was founded in 2006 because of a special young
Angel Boy Art has three main goals: To help childrenartist named Louis Angelo. When Louie was ten
with special differences flourish, communicate andmonths old he began painting as part of his physical
express themselves through art; To raise money fortherapy. It soon became clear that the painting was
special needs children and their families by selling theirnot only good physical therapy, but also a means of
art; and To raise public awareness about specialcomminication and building confidence.
needs children and break down the stigma that aLouie is the original Angel Boy Artist. He has complex
handicapped child cannot communicate.medical issues including severe arthrogryposis, skeletal
I spoke with Sara Vitale, founder of the organization,dysplasia, tracheostomy, feeding tube and a nervous
and she had this to say about her project, "Manysystem disorder which severely limits his mobility and
special needs children have difficulty communicating inconfines him to a wheelchair. His mother began painting
the standard ways. Art is a universal language thatwith him when he was about ten months old. He uses
everyone can understand. Special needs kids flourishstrips of fabric and velcro to strap the paint brush
when they get involved in art for many reasons. First, itaround his arm to help him hang on to it. He loves
provides physical and occupational therapy that thepainting and especially loves to put a blob of paint
child wants to do. Many times getting a child withdown and then scratch it with his fingers and you will
physical limitations to stretch is difficult because thesee this trademark in every painting he does....at least
child is resistant to having to work. Art eliminates thatevery one so far!
issue as the child strives to reach a little furtherLouie's mom is also the founder of the gallery and an
because they want to. Completing an art project givesartist herself. She says, "The painting is a great form of
a special needs child a sense of accomplishment and itexercise for Louie. It helps him gain range of motion
is wonderful to see how proud they are of theirand control of his upper extremities and he is
creations. The color choices alone are a way for themotivated to push himself because he enjoys it so
child to communicate, and as they gain experience,much. It is so wonderful to see how proud he is of
their art begins to tell stories they could not otherwisehimself after creating a masterpiece! His art is also a
share."form of communication. He has a very picky eye and
When asked to elaborate on the mission statement'sinsists on choosing his own colors which he does by
third goal, to break down stigmas about specialpointing to the color he wants. Louie loves to feel the
children, Sara went on to say, "It is important for peoplepaint and will often paint his own hands and face! Don't
in the community to see the beautiful creations createdworry, it's non-toxic!"
by special young artists. There are many stigmasAll special young artists are encouraged to join this
about children with handicaps that can be brokenwonderful organization, and it will never cost them a
down through the beauty of art. One thing the artpenny.
does is it gives people who are not sure how to