Los Angeles-April 7, 2009- The Autism Society of America-Los Angeles will host the Los Angeles premiere of ARTS, a ground-breaking documentary that highlights “Possibilities, Disabilities and the Arts” on April 17, 2009 at 6:30 pm at the Barnsdall Gallery Theater.
Filmmaker Keri Bowers showcases how the arts can be valuable “power tools” to improve social skills, self-confidence, life skills, language, and emotional well-being, and even lead to potential career paths for those with special needs. ARTS explores painting, film, drama, writing, dance, public speaking and other creative media. Internationally known personalities including Temple Grandin, Stephen Shore, Stephen Wiltshire, Donna Williams, Jerry and Mary Newport, Geri Jewell, among others, share their insights into the creative process.
At the premiere of ARTS, guests will enjoy an art exhibition by artists with special needs and a silent auction. ASA-LA and Normal Films’ will recognize local individuals who have promoted excellence in community service and autism with the “Hearts and Arts Award”. This year’s recipients include Joey Travolta, Inclusion Films; Joanne Lara, Aut - Erobics and Autism Movement Therapy; Elaine Hall, "Coach E." from The Miracle Project, Susan Sheller, songwriter and advocate in autism; Karen Simmons, founder of Autism Today and co-author of "Chicken Soup for the Soul; Children with Special Needs"; Detective III Gil Escontrias, Los Angeles Police Department Mental Evaluation Unit & the Los Angeles Police Department; Emily Iland, M.A., ASA-LA Secretary and Coordinator of the ASA-LAPD Autism Awareness Project & the ASA-LA Project Volunteers; Soryl Markowitz M.S.W., Autism and Behavioral Resource Specialist for Westside Regional Center & Westside Regional Center; and Patrick Lufrano of Patrick Lufrano Insurance Agency & Farmer’s Insurance.
Those in attendance will mingle under the stars, overlooking the Hollywood sign and Griffith Park Observatory with the filmmaker and many of the film’s stars, including singer Nick Guzman, who performs his breakout song in ARTS, “Since We’re Friends”, written for him by Joey Travolta and composer Jeff Lass. Joanne Lara of Autism Movement Therapy will dance with several of her young students. Two short films, created by students with autism at the Media Enrichment Academy in Sherman Oaks will also debut their work before the screening of ARTS.
Bowers, who created the hit films Normal People Scare Me and The Sandwich Kid with her sons Taylor (now 20) with autism, and Jace (now 14) to support greater awareness about disabilities, siblings, and other issues, says: “The arts are my first love. Music, painting and drama helped me to ‘find’ my son when he was young and had no language. Once he began to develop language, I made things up using those media to help him emerge from his isolated world, and to help his brother cope with him. Then, after years of working with hundreds of other kids in my camps and socials skills groups, I was inspired to make this film from the heart.”
Tickets are available for $20 to the general public online at www.bgttix.com or the night of the premiere in the Barnsdall Gallery Theater box office.
