An art exhibit highlighting people with autism

Sometimes art can express something better than words can. For Brandon Scott, art is one of the only ways he can express himself.

"I think he has actually found a voice or a medium for someone who is non-vocal through his artwork," Brandon Scott's mom, Antoinette Allen, said.

Brandon, 36, has a non-verbal form of autism. It means he can't really talk, which is why his mom says art gives him a voice.

"Depends on where you are emotionally, the colors you pick. It goes to show your frame of mind."

He may not be very talkative, but Brandon's art speaks volumes.

"To coin a phrase it looks into the soul because there is a depth of the eys that draws you into the painting," his mom said.

His mom is talking about a large canvas he painted of poet Gil Scott-Heron. The eyes are looking to the right as if he is deep in though. His brow is furrowed, and his hand covers his mouth.

Brandon's art is currently exhibited at the Castellani Art Museum at Niagara University. It features art entirely created by people with autism.

Dana Ranke is the art director for Autism Services, which is the organization that paired with the museum to put exhibit together. She said that not all the artists are non-verbal like Brandon, but all of them are given a voice through their art.

"It's about what they are thinking. What they're feeling. Putting their voice on canvas."

The exhibit is free and six days a week at the NU campus. For more information you can go to their website: http://www.castellaniartmuseum.org. 

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