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The annual in-person art auction has returned to the Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre in efforts to raise funds for Autism Services.
March 31, 2023

Young artists present pieces for return of annual art auction in support of autism services

April is Autism Awareness Month and Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) McMaster Children’s Hospital (MCH) Autism Program is excited to bring back an in-person celebration of the wonderful talent within the community with a silent art auction, in partnership with the McMaster Children’s Hospital Foundation.

The MCH Autism Program is comprised of a multi-disciplinary team who specialize in behaviour therapy, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and psychology services for autistic children and youth up to the age of 18 and their families.

The annual art auction started in 2015 when autism program staff were looking for a unique way to celebrate Autism Awareness Day, while showcasing the talents of autistic children and youth in our community.

The silent art auction is Monday, April 3 with over 60 art pieces created and donated by patients in the MCH Autism Program at Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre (RJCHC), along with students from various schools, and others within the community.

The auction will be held at the Family Resources Centre which is on the first floor of the RJCHC building from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and will also offer telephone bidding for those unable to attend in person. All funds raised will support the MCH Autism Program at RJCHC. More about the event here.

Meet some artists and their work that’ll be auctioned at the event!

Grayson

A watercolour sunset created by Grayson.

Grayson is 8-years-old and enjoys drawing, painting, reading, and playing video games.

One of Grayson’s favourite ways to create art is with watercolours, which is how he painted this piece. He loves blending colours to create beautiful sunsets.

The young artist was happy to be part of the cause, and enjoys the services he receives at RJCHC.

Thomas Katsarakis

A school bus drawing sketched by Tommy.

Thomas, also known as Tommy, is 17-years-old and enjoys creating art on his iPad which he uses to help gather creative ideas and draw pictures. Sometimes he finds photographs and edits them by changing some of the elements or adding new ones.

Some of his recent drawings have been of cowbells, windows, musical instruments, and automobiles.

Tommy and his family access services through the MCH Autism Program and were excited to feature his artwork again in this year’s event.

Caleb Stevenson

Photograph of a flower Caleb captured that will be framed and auctioned.

Caleb is 19-years-old and you rarely see him without his camera. Photography is a passion of his, and he enjoys capturing picture-perfect moments like sunsets.

Caleb has submitted art to the auction in the past including framed photographs of elements in nature such as flowers and frogs.

Caleb gladly submitted artwork again for this year’s auction, and is happy to support raising funds for the MCH Autism Program.