Faison School hosts “Art of Autism”
North Richmond’s Faison School and Autism Center of Virginia will host an “Art for Autism Gala” on April 18 to raise funds for the school’s mission of service, training and research. Featured artists include Wolf Kahn and Sally Mann.
The event will be held at the Charles Luck Stone Center at 343 River Road West (Route 6) in Manakin-Sabot from 6:00 pm until 10:00 pm.
For more details, contact Christy Schneider at the Faison Centers of Excellence at 967-2503 or chschneider@markelcorp.com.
D.J.’s Imagifriends
My name is Daniel John Svoboda. I am 25 years old. I was diagnosed with Autism
Spectrum Disorder with Psychomotor Retardation at the age of three. I went through some very difficult times growing up with Autism. I was often picked on and made fun of. It was from these very difficult situations that The Imagifriends were born. The Imagifriends live in a place called Imagiville. In this imaginary place no one is ever picked on or mistreated in any way. Everyone is loved and accepted for who and what they are. Everyone in Imagivile helps and cares for one another.
Each Imagifriend that I draw is different. They come in many sizes, colors, and designs. None of them are ever mean or cruel. They each have their own special job and purpose in Imagiville. Every Imagifriend knows that as long as they have a kind heart it doesn’t matter what they look like. Some of them are physically or mentally handicapped but that’s O.K. I have just had my first book published too. It’s about acceptance and respect for those with Autism.
I want to use The Imagifriends to help others with Autism know that they are special just the way they are. I have created The Imagifriends coloring book and I do Imaginames. That is where I create an Imagifriend out of the letters of your name and connect them. I have also written my first book called My Imagiville. I donate a portion of what I earn to The Autism Help Network and to my wonderful church, Hope Community Church. Being Autistic has presented me with many challenges in my life. From these challenges I have learned to never give up. I want to thank the Lord for giving me the talent to draw and I want to use this talent to help others. Remember, “Everyone is Special Just the Way They Are!!!”
I have a new website, http://www.My Imagiville.com. On the website you can read more about my mission for acceptance for those with Autism. You can also see more Imagifriends and order special Imaginames too. The book and coloring book and Imagistuff can be purchased as well. I hope everyone has a great blessed day everyday!!!
D.J. Svoboda