The Koegel Autism Center on the UC Santa Barbara campus will present “ARTism: A Voyage into Divergence” on Thursday, December 2 from 6-9 pm. This art show will be the first on the UCSB campus to feature neurodivergent art from over 20 artists. The work ranges from paintings and drawings to digital and media art, sculpture, composition, and spoken word.
The evening is the brainchild of the Koegel Autism Center’s Creative Club, a community of endlessly kind and supportive neurodivergent adults and allies that meets once a week to share experiences, inspiration, and time with one another. The artists in the show are: Hannah Crousore, Naomi Pierce, Linda (Melika) Rahimi, Michelle F. Seyer, M.*, Georg Wolf*, Kaka*, B Arriaga, Noelle Greaux, Deb Bradbury, Sokun Yoeung, Katherine MacLeod, Breana Lepe, Ronan Swanic-Weber, Kase van der Linde, Lisa Jevbratt (professional artist and art department faculty), Maison “Bub” Bray, Jay Davis Porter, Kieran Zoeller, Sean Carter, Maja Skjøth Hegelund, Isabella Catanzaro, Caren Chua, Flora Lin, Erica Fagnan, Mikaela Stone. NOTE: Some artist names are pseudonyms chosen by the artists to protect their privacy. Pseudonyms are noted with "*."
The event is free and will take place within the Koegel Autism Center (located in the Education Building on the corner of Ocean Road and El Colegio). Searching for "Koegel Autism Center" in Google Maps or Apple Maps is the easiest way to get directions to the center. Parking is available in Lot 27 directly across from the center. Be sure to purchase an after-hours permit at one of the parking machines.
Attendees must show proof of vaccination or negative COVID test and pass the UCSB online symptom screener the day of the event prior to being admitted.
The Koegel Autism Center (pronounced "kay-gull") is internationally recognized for its innovative autism research and clinical training. The center is part of the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education at the University of California, a not-for-profit state institution of higher learning. Led by Center Director Dr. Ty Vernon and Clinical Director Dr. Anna Krasno, the center focuses on the development and implementation of strength-based, motivational interventions and supports for individuals and families affected by autism spectrum disorders. Intervention models developed at the center include the Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) and the Social Tools And Rules for Teens (START) programs.
The center provides diagnostic assessments, intervention services, parent support, and clinical training opportunities through its funded research projects and clinics. The center also provides research and clinical training to doctoral students in clinical psychology and special education, many of whom have continued on to become highly influential members of the autism research community. The center was originally founded by Drs. Robert and Lynn Koegel, co-developers of the PRT autism intervention model.