ART & AUTISM: Pathways to Expression

We invite the audience to see talent and creativity at its purest and to gain insight in the layers of expression that are woven into the layers of the autism spectrum.

Painting by DarokAutism is a condition that causes communication challenges for which the arts provide a platform to ‘speak up’, serving as a self-supporting necessity for the person.

Many autistic visual artists have found their way from children imitating animation characters to becoming self-taught stand-alone artists with work reflecting individual character, dedication to detail, technique and emotional impact.

This year’s exhibit at Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center features emerging artists who may be discovered by an always evolving art scene very soon. A special focus will also be on the many digital – or – digital-like variations that fascinate our young artists from early age onward. The comfort of repetition and dreaming of a “better” world are themes that are represented.

Musicians with Autism will join us on several occasions, paying tribute to the inclusive nature of UCF’s philosophy in fostering the Arts.

Featured artwork: painting by Darok

In an effort to strengthen our message during Autism Acceptance Month April 2024, CARD’s collaborator Lake County Museum of Art presents “Spectral Evidence 6 : Pathways to Expression,” works of 3 young women artists with Autism, all clients of CARD, during the entire month.

Center-for-Autism-and-Related-Disabilities logo.

Logos for UCF and Dr. Phillips Center
We extend particular gratitude to the staff and administration of Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts for their partnership over the past ten years.

Thank You to Our Supporters

Logos for LIFE at UCF, OUC The Reliable One, Florida Arts and Culture, Downtown Orlando, Rockley Family Foundation, and Sigma Alpha Iota Philanthropies Inc.

Sponsored in part by the State of Florida through the Division of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts.

  • The Judith and David Albertson Endowment in the Arts
  • Cartwright Family Humanities & Arts Endowment
  • Phil and Jane Easterling
  • LIFE at UCF
  • Orlando Downtown Development Board
  • OUC – The Reliable One
  • Women’s Club at UCF, Inc.

Thank You to Our Festival Partners

  • Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
  • National Young Composers Challenge
  • Orlando Family Stage
  • Orlando Shakes
  • Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra
  • UCF College of Health Professions and Sciences
  • UCF Global Perspectives and International Initiatives
  • UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management
  • Winter Park Institute
  • WUCF