Press Release, an introduction, and asking for help--
---but not necessarily in that order:) This past spring I had the pleasure of meeting Roy Bedward, an artist from Madison who happens to be autistic. I've been given permission to post a copy of a presentation that he gave at a recent conference for autism, you can find a link on the left sidebar, or just click here. Now that may not sound very impressive in itself, but you have to understand that Roy can't talk, he's non verbal. So go back & read, It's long, but well worth it to get a better understanding of Roy and his everyday challenges. If you google his name, you'll find some of his art to see, like here for instance.
Now that you've had the introduction, here's where the call for help comes in. Roy is limited as to what he can earn on his own and is always in need of money (I know, we all are) to buy art supplies. If you've read his story, you'll know how important it is that he's able to create his art. When asked what he could use, this is what I was told: "I think we can utilize many materials. What Roy uses the most currently is acrylic paint, heavy water color paper, canvas, brushes, glass jars for paint, and wood. It would be great to use other material so what ever you may have to give, we will find use for it." Jeremy helps with his care, but Alli is the supervisor & in charge of it all, so if you have any specific questions, or need an address to ship any extra supplies that you may be willing to part with, here's all the contact information:
For Immediate Release: 2008 Back Gallery Series Continues with the artwork of Roy Bedward. In a life filled with shadows, he sees colors and is awakened by their beauty. He communicates by typing on a simple paper keyboard, his helpers quickly deciphering the letters that soon become his words. He may not be able to talk, but he most definitely understands – meet Roy Bedward, a Madison, WI, based artist whose work will be the on exhibit as part of The Back Gallery Series 2008 at The Flying Pig Gallery and Greenspace from June 28 through July 27. Although diagnosed with autism, Roy has captured the sense of magic and color that autism gives the real world – an endless supply of sensations with which to work. For over ten years, he has been painting in self-made studios at his home in an assisted living residence in Madison. Presented with a limited palate of colors and materials to paint upon, Roy creates stunning abstract combinations of color and texture. In addition to painting, Roy loves drawing, woodworking, and working with clay. While in his studio, he has a support member assist him with his body if he becomes “stuck.” Despite needing this support member, all of his creations are completely independent and original. “When I'm painting I feel more normal and happy than any other time in my life. I love color. It can make me so much more alive when I have it in my life,” types Bedward. “Just imagine how it would feel to not be able to talk. If you can really imagine that, then you can begin to understand what my art means to me.” Bedward is the second of four artists to be featured at The Flying Pig Gallery and Greenspace this summer. The remaining artists to be featured in the Back Gallery Series will be Melissa Jones of Birmingham, AL (August 2 – September 1) and Kim Wozniak of Pulaski, WI (September 6 – October 5). The Flying Pig Gallery and Greenspace is located at N6975 Hwy 42, 2 miles south of Algoma. The gallery is open daily 9am-6pm. For gallery and event information, please call (920) 487-9902 or visit www.theflyingpig.biz.
This year they had invited 6 guest artists to participate in the show, and had us set up outside in the yard. So as people came through, it was all very relaxed, as they strolled through the barn, our tents, and Renee's shop. Such a nice, atmosphere to the whole event. Having only seen a few pieces of 
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