Meeting the evolving needs of families impacted by autism.

Inaugural “As I Am” Art Festival, May 23, Houston’s Wortham Theatre

The KNOWAutism Foundation was founded in 2013 to help families of children with autism better navigate the process of diagnosis, treatment, intervention, and education.

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, KNOWAutism went above and beyond its scope of services to provide face masks, art kits, gift certificates for food and more to families of children with autism. Dedicated to meeting the evolving needs of families, KNOWAutism also delivered cameras, which were difficult to find at the beginning of the pandemic, to Baylor College of Medicine to provide telemedicine for the organization’s clients.

Art kits launched

KNOWAutism launched a pilot of the “As I AM” Art Project in the fall of 2020 with a total of 41 art kits distributed to children within the KNOWAutism family. The art kits provided families with a healthy distraction from the pandemic and allowed the entire family to get involved. KNOWAutism unleashed vibrancy and the organization took notice of the young artists’ work and developed a day of celebration and artistry.

A day of artistry

Now, the KNOWAutism Foundation with Chairs Amy Pierce, Michelle Bohreer and Marian McClendon is hosting an inaugural “As I Am” Art Festival, a free family event featuring local student artwork and entertainment, in Houston on Sunday, May 23, 2021, from 11am–3pm at Fish Plaza at the Wortham Theatre.

Advocating for children

The “As I AM” Art Festival will celebrate children with autism and their families as well as enhance community awareness of KNOWAutism and its partner programs. In collaboration with other organizations, the Art Festival represents and advocates for children with special needs. Foundation Board Member Sippi Khurana, M.D. will serve as Grand Marshal, and the “As I Am” Art Festival will provide guests with the opportunity to view and purchase one-of-a-kind art by more than 250 child artists. The festival will spotlight the artwork from the students of 12 participating Houston-area schools and nonprofit organizations, which will represent a different art medium that will be available for purchase.

Fun for the whole family

Children and adults alike will enjoy music and bubble activities by DJ Mike Mireless. Colorful and unique characters including Miss Petal, Ms. Vine and Butterfly Man from J&D Entertainment will take over downtown Houston while balloon artists and a magician will captivate the crowd.

To celebrate performing arts, the Houston Ballet, The River, Social Motion Skills and more will perform.

Tasty treats

Delicious eats will be onsite including Tila’s, funnel cake, and snow cone food trucks along with complimentary beverage stations throughout the festival. Tiffany & Co. will also provide complimentary lemonade and cookies.

Safety first

The event is free and open to the public with controlled limited attendance and strict COVID-19 safety protocols, including the requirement of masks, wrist bands at entry, temperature checks, and hand sanitation stations. Street parking is available at no cost and garage parking is available underground at a nominal fee.

Get to know KNOWAutism

KNOWAutism is dedicated to providing direct financial assistance to families for diagnostic testing and therapeutic treatments, special interest programs and disaster relief. Through community partnerships with schools and organizations, KNOWAutism supports and develops programs that meet the evolving needs of children and families impacted by autism.

For more information, about KNOWAutism and the “As I Am” Art Festival visit www.know-autism.org

Inaugural “As I Am” Art Festival, May 23, Houston’s Wortham Theatre

Cover photo courtesy KNOWAutism

This article is a sponsored collaboration with KNOWAutism