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A Real Artist Sells Art

POHC Groshell • Mar 09, 2018

I stood there, eyes wide open, watching Christ being painted in front of me in bold bright colors on canvas of black, paint being splashed like blood cut loose from a whip, all the while the lyrics “we will never be the same” by Dave Crowder playing over and over. I could feel it inside me…this love pulsing. It was palpable. At this moment…it was all I needed. I was reminded that it is truly all I ever need.

That was over a week ago at the annual HEAL! Gala, a local charity who raises money to enrich the lives of persons with autism in our community through communication and programming where this painting of Christ sold for thousands of dollars for the cause.

Prior to the live painting of Christ, I had witnessed my beautiful daughter’s art (self-titled, “Rays of Hope”) being auctioned. More than the auction itself, I was intently focused on her as she sat with a long-time caregiver and friend. She was fighting her autism. Trapped in a body that often does not cooperate with her mind, will and emotions…she sat glued to a seat just outside the main ballroom with the door propped open. Each time I attempted to cajole her into the room she resolutely shook her head no.

Lord, this was her moment. This was her time to shine. Would she be able to do it? Would she conquer autism’s death like grip on her sensory and motor systems and be able to bathe at this moment? The moment she so longed for because, as she typed, to be a “real artist is to sell art.”

I had one foot in the room and one out and she forcedly shot out of the chair and went straight in front of the canvas and stood there as the bidding finished. She radiated beauty yet her facial expression did not tell the story of how she was truly feeling. The next time I picked her up at her group home and we were driving home, I asked her who the “famous” local artist was. She had the most infectious smile on her face and she erupted in laughter.

Oh, autism…where is your sting? Each time Gentry conquers autism’s grip on her body I remind her she is forming new neural pathways and, in doing so, she is causing the strength of the old ones to diminish. When I see what she goes through daily to gain this type of control I am humbled. I have no reason to complain – ever. She and her peers are my true inspiration. They bring me JOY and HOPE. They are the WHY behind Peace of Heart Community.

By Amy Groshell 11 Apr, 2023
A pril is designated as autism awareness month. In today’s world of causes, sometimes I find it hard to keep up with all the causes to be aware of. It used to be a month for our community to post statistics, then was a trend to “light it up blue”, and now we seem to have settled on acceptance. This progression inspired a thought process within me about how awareness evolves into acceptance. Lara’s story demonstrates the transformation from awareness to acceptance well. When Gentry was struggling in her early teens, I had the good fortune to be introduced to Lara’s mom, Carol. Carol was instrumental in helping me navigate a mental health system that was and is unprepared for the influx of young persons with autism like Lara and Gentry. (Many people do not realize that individuals with ASD are seven times more likely to have a secondary diagnosis, many with crippling anxiety, mood swings, depression, and OCD.) I listened to Carol speak of Lara’s story and I found hope. With the right supports, Lara had been able to overcome crippling depression and later found her purpose through baking. Even so, Lara had to face the reality that her life would look different than her brother’s. Until she accepted this fact, Lara was trapped in “awareness” of the limitations of her diagnosis. Finding a place to belong was essential in Lara’s metamorphosis. Peace of Heart Community helps individuals like Lara evolve from awareness to acceptance. Over a year ago Lara started participating in POH Enrichment summertime activities. Because we focus on non-verbal individuals, I was surprised. I was even more ecstatic to learn of Lara’s response to our gatherings. At POH Enrichment Lara found her place as a role-model and leader. As is true in baking, there are always essential ingredients. In life, acceptance is vital to each person’s story. Lara saw how Farmer Josh has inspired people from our community and those around the world who follow us on @POHenrichment. Lara’s story inspired me as I was reminded to not limit the breadth of POHC’s reach. Time and time again I walk onto the property of POH Farm and see beauty all around me. It’s not just the peaceful backdrop and the mossy oaks looming over the fire pit, it is all the stories that surround me. The beautiful individuals we support are finding acceptance and peace within themselves. This is the ultimate autism awareness; that young adults with autism can and do have a place in our community. They deserve a chance to find acceptance and purpose. Awareness that life does not have to be as you assume for it to be beautifu l.
By Amy Groshell 15 Feb, 2023
Keeping Our Crown’s On  At POHC we aim for the heart of the individuals we serve. Designed by our co-founder, Howard Groshell; our logo clearly represents our community (blue) and sustainability (green) pillars upholding the “heart” of the individuals with autism. We put a premium on elevating individuals with autism by helping them reach their dreams. Far from the modular buildings at the very outskirts of any public school’s self-constrained classrooms or the churches who aren’t sure how to include those with added challenges, we desire to give those with autism a real chance at living life alongside their neighbors. Shifting paradigms takes time and patience, especially when opposing the long held narratives of the societal, medical and educational establishments. Even so, change is a worthy and likely goal when we turn life’s steering wheel by even one degree. While it is one thing to value an individual, it is quite another to empower them. Seeing a person’s worth is imperative. In the disability community, the most clear example of this is the recently held special needs prom: Night to Shine. One glorious evening, individuals with disabilities are crowned the Kings and Queens they are. While this lasts a night, our mission is to keep those crowns on year-round. Why is this so challenging? Often in our competitive society we fail to see groups of “non-productive” persons as worthy. Perhaps the needy consciously or subconsciously are placed in a separate category than us producers. We like to keep them in this category so, when we help them, we feel good about ourselves. This is a one-way directional relationship and, while it has value, it would be wrong to make this the ultimate goal. Instead we propose a 2-way mutual exchange relationship fueled by inclusion which allows us to walk side by side and support these valuable individuals through life’s ups and downs. At Peace of Heart Community, we have the chance to change lives 24 hours a day by embracing and facilitating those with autism so they can lead lives with meaning. Yes, we serve; however, we strive to empower. In essence, we give those we embrace permission to be part of our world. This entitles them to live the life they desire. When we empower others we give them the ability to shine brightly in the communities they live in. We allow their inner beauty to be seen by all. Whether it is Farmer Josh giving a farm tour, buying organic produce grown by our Enrichment Program participants, learning about trees from Carter, sampling Lara’ baked goods, or purchasing Gentry’s art; with your support we can ensure a life of meaning for all. This Valentine’s Day and everyday we thank you for all you do to help us uphold the HEART of autism by keeping those crowns on!
By Amy Groshell 09 Jan, 2023
PEACE for the New Year and Always!
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