The Franklin Foundation held its fifth annual World Autism Awareness Day Youth Art Exhibition at the East Pavilion of the Nixon Library on March 17, along with the film screening event “Flying to the Blue Sky.” This year marked the highest participation in the art exhibition and performance by autistic children, compassionate young artists, child actors, and volunteers since the foundation’s inception. Some very prestigious painters and calligraphers from Los Angeles also contributed their meticulously prepared artworks for charity sale, and renowned musicians brought their children to perform as well. During this exhibition, nearly ten thousand dollars were raised through the auction of artworks by artists and children from Southern California. These funds will be used to support autistic children and their families.
AOI, a trustee of the foundation, stated that this year’s exhibition featured over 200 artworks, with 135 participating artists and more than 80 volunteers. Among the participants were 33 children with autism. The children’s artworks were diverse, showcasing their rich imagination and creativity. It is heartening to note that since the autistic artist Sylvia Burnstein was signed by the American gallery Artlifting the year before last, her works have not only been sold to the Bank of America, but recently, she has also signed a contract with the famous backpack brand JanSport, becoming one of their brand designers. These achievements demonstrate that children with autism are not a burden to society but can create social value.
Jane He, the Foundation Chairwoman added, “Starting from 2024, we established the Newbridge Social Recreational Center to train children who have difficulties in social interactions. Currently, we not only accept Asian children but children from other ethnicities as well. The Newbridge Social Center has already begun its operations, and some children have shown significant improvements through our training.”
During the event, the surroundings were filled with the children’s artwork, and the guests took their time to admire each piece, expressing genuine admiration for the imaginative and creative world of childhood reflected in the artworks. The event garnered significant attention from the community, with notable attendees including Irvine Mayor Farrah Khan, renowned philanthropist Charlie Zhang, Honorary Chairman of the Southern California Chinese Community Federation Sue Zhang, Executive Director of the Southern California Chinese Federation Lin Lianlian, and Chairwoman of the Southern California Chinese Universities Alumni Alliance Li Shan, among others.