The Au-some art sessions build on the success of our previous project Au-some Libraries, a 2017-18 PLIF funded project which sought to increase accessibility of library services for people with autism. These art sessions were designed to encourage people on the autism spectrum and their carers and families to experience working in a group specifically aimed at them.
The sessions were led by local artist Annie McKay. Annie has significant experience of working across various artistic mediums and in an educational setting. Here she describes the group in her own words:
“Those taking part have done investigative sketches and developmental compositions in pencil from images of Chic Murray and images relating to his jokes and scenarios/stories. They went onto enlarged charcoal drawing of their chosen thumbnail sketch, considering tone. Most drew free-hand; one made a collage of photocopied images and used carbon paper to copy. They are currently working into with compressed charcoal pencil – refining, adding texture and detail (Prang). They will also have small sketches using fine-liners and then went onto using soft pastels to create colour visual narratives. Hopefully they will get some watercolour work done, too. The work done so far is great!”