KNOWAutism Foundation's 'As I Am' art festival

KNOWAutism Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to helping families of children with autism to navigate the process of diagnostics, treatment, intervention and education, with chairs Amy Pierce, Michelle Bohreer, and Marian McClendon are hosting the inaugural “As I Am” Art Festival on Sunday, May 23, 2021, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Fish Plaza at the Wortham Theater Center. 

The event is free and open to the public with controlled limited attendance and strict COVID-19 safety protocols, including the requirement of masks, wrist bands at entry, temperature checks, and hand sanitation stations. Street parking is available at no cost and garage parking is available underground at a nominal fee.

Foundation Board Member Sippi Khurana, M.D. will serve as Grand Marshal, and the “As I Am” Art Festival will provide guests with the opportunity to view and purchase one-of-a-kind art by more than 250 child artists. The festival will spotlight the artwork from the students of 12 participating Houston-area schools and nonprofit organizations, which will represent a different art medium that will be available for purchase.

Guests will enjoy music and bubble activities by DJ Mike Mireless, colorful and unique characters including Miss Petal, Ms. Vine and Butterfly Man from J&D Entertainment, balloon artists, a magician along with performances by the Houston Ballet, The River, Social Motion Skills and much more. Tiffany & Co. will provide complimentary lemonade and cookies. Tila’s, funnel cake, and snow cone food trucks will be available on-site at a cost with complimentary beverage stations throughout the festival. The “As I Am” Art Festival will be ADA compliant and will provide a comfort zone for families and children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).  

Leading up to the Festival, KNOWAutism and Co-chairs Sherri Zucker and Paul-David Van Atta will host an “As I Am” Art Auction on Thursday, May 6, 2021, a private and intimate silent auction event that will serve as a fundraiser for the “As I Am” Art Festival. Attendees will enjoy light bites, cocktails and have the opportunity to bid on more than 50 art pieces and donate to participate as an Art Festival underwriter and KNOWAutism supporter. KNOWAutism is accepting donated art pieces for the “As I Am” Art Auction until Sunday, May 2, 2021. To donate art, email [email protected].

Festival Partner Organizations include: Applied Behavior Therapy for Life, The Avondale School, The H.E.A.R.T. Program, The Houston Ballet, KNOWAutism Foundation, The Hub, The Monarch School, Social Motion Skills, Texas Children’s Hospital, The Meyer Center, The River - Theatre Under the Stars, The Parish School, and The Westview School.