Connecting with people can be difficult for the average person… Connecting with people when you have Autism can be vastly more challenging. However, 37 year old J.P. Henry who happens to be autistic, has discovered a way to reach out and share his perspective of the world with help and encouragement from his mother Jane Ward.
During July’s First Friday Art Loop, I had the Great Pleasure of attending the Cecil County Arts Council’s Opening Reception ‘Visual Embrace’ featuring the photography of both Mr. Henry and Ms. Ward. There are SO MANY fascinating aspects to this show. I urge you to see it for yourself before it closes on July 26th.
‘Visual Embrace’ is an opportunity to really ‘see’ things our busy, always on-the-go culture tends to overlook. J.P. gives us the chance to appreciate and connect with the world and the way he sees it… From the beauty of ‘Trees’ to the precision of ‘Lines’ in architecture.
There are images he titles as ‘Scary’ and breathtaking sights from extensive travels with his mom who shares his joy of capturing photos with a simple cell phone. Some of Jane’s photography is also featured in the gallery.
J.P. is excited to share his work and in order to form a connection he is comfortable with, invites attendees to write their name on a ‘Hello My Name Is’ sticker and include any thoughts they’d like to bestow about his photographs and which they like best. I was touched by the opportunity to connect in this manner because really, wouldn’t it be nice if EVERY artist had a written list of who attended their show and what they liked BEST about it?
‘Visual Embrace’ by, J.P. Henry & Jane Ward
at the Cecil County Arts Council
July 5-26, 2019
135 E. Main St.
Elkton, MD 21921
Call: (410) 392-5740 for more information
