Gangbusters! That's how it's going in the land of GraceArt* over here. Why? A lot of reasons, but in part kudos and gratitude goes to a pioneer autism mom who is making her way across the country and world, driven by her passion for "artism."  Debbie Hosseini is a part of a critical mass–"the tipping point"–we're reaching nationally, if not internationally, in gaining deserved attention of especially artism as well as other disability art, aka: art brut, outsider art….

Says Hosseini, who's son with autism is also an artist: "People on the spectrum often internalize the negative messages broadcast on the media. "The Art of Autism" provides an alternative to those messages; focusing on the positive aspects of autism."

And here's how Hosseini's going about it: "The Art of Autism" is a project that incorporates The Art of Autism book series, art shows, live theatrical entertainment events, workshops and films to shift consciousness and increase awareness regarding autism. The project is committed to promoting talented artists on the autism spectrum and educating the general public about this enigmatic disorder, which has increased exponentially in numbers of individuals affected in the last two decades. The project supports artists through mentorship, building resumes, portfolios, and direct work experience. Participants in past events report an improvement in self-esteem, media exposure and often a sense of community that they have never experienced before. Most importantly, these artists make friends and lifelong connections. The majority of money raised from the Art of Autism art sales goes directly to the artist. A portion also goes to a local nonprofit who hosts the show.

Hometown commercial break here, aka "bragging rights:" GraceArt, the line of cards, prints and original paintings, collages and other media created by my 17-year-old daughter, Grace Goad, since she was four, was featured in an October "The Art of Autism" show in Soho. Grace is also a featured artist in an upcoming show at Seattle's Heart of the Spectrum gallery, which will highlight her work among other artists featured in the 2012 "Art of Autism Book," entitled: The Art of Autism: Shifting Perceptions. Also, Heart of the Spectrum now represents GraceArt, carrying some of her original paintings, prints and her card line.

Hosseini curated art shows for "The Art of Autism" since 2005. In 2011, the project went international with the debut of five major shows in the U.S. and Canada. In 2012, they plan more including here in Nashville. Here's where YOU come in: This project is coming to a close in less than two weeks with only 10 percent of the budget raised for the book's printing and the financing of the shows. This new book is about hope, family, gifts, overcoming struggles, and acceptance and appreciation of the hidden gifts that we all know are well worth the extra effort to discover….Disclaimer: GraceArt and "The Journey with Grace" receive no compensation if you choose to make a donation. I'm not asking you for our sake, but the sake of this project and all artists with disAbilities. Here's the link if you should feel so led: http://www.indiegogo.com/TheArtofAutism. Thank you in advance.

Funding will support the publication of The Art of Autism: Shifting Perceptions book, featuring art and poetry of people with autism around the globe. Essayists in the new edition of the book include Darold Treffert, M.D., an expert on savant syndrome; Stephen Shore, Ph.D., author and international speaker living with autism; Colin Zimbleman, Ph.D., a depth psychologist and expert on autism; Dr. Rebecca McKenzie, psychologist and autism expert; Elaine Hall, founder of The Miracle Project, Keri Bowers (Film maker and international speaker and Hosseini. 

Stay tuned here at "The Journey with Grace." We are talking to Hosseini about the possibility of bringing her show to Nashville. And, independent of The Art of Autism, we are busy preparing for THREE solo shows of GraceArt this spring–two in Nashville and one in Athens, Ga. More details coming here!