ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS – The Atlantic Highlands Arts Council will present artwork and holiday gift items by students from Oasis tlc. The holiday art and gift show reception is from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13 at the Atlantic Highlands Arts Council’s Arts Corner, 135 First Ave.
The artwork and gift items will also be included in the Atlantic Highlands Arts Council’s holiday fair over the weekend from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 14 and 15, also at The Arts Corner.
The Oasis mission promotes inclusion and acceptance of autistic individuals into local communities by establishing environmentally exemplary farm centers. Founded in 2012 by Mai Cleary, a Colts Neck native and Middletown resident, the Oasis farm in Middletown fosters independence, and provides meaningful work, peaceful and healthy residences and community interaction for people on the autism spectrum. Its first farm was purchased in conjunction with Monmouth Conservation Foundation, Middletown Township, NY/NJ Baykeepers, and other partners.
The philosophy behind OASIS tlc is one that embraces human beings for their interconnectedness to each other and all living things. Interdependence and social mutuality are their main goals. Oasis believes that it is through work, personal exploration and our relationships with others and nature that we realize our full human potential. Given the challenges of autism, the local farm setting is an ideal place to achieve these objectives.
Oasis not only serves individuals with autism, it also provides a service to the community and an opportunity for non-autistic people to connect with autistic individuals in a very positive way.
Sarah Hilton, who teaches art at Oasis, guides the students through their own artistic process, resulting in work that is often profound, beautiful and meaningful.
The students are creating special gift items especially for the holidays. As well, there will be other student-made products including tote bags, yoga eye pillows filled with lavender and rice, goats’ milk soap, cutting boards, bird houses, bird baths and bags with reproductions of students’ paintings.
The AHAC is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The mission of the Atlantic Highlands Arts Council is to strengthen community through the arts. For further information on the Arts Council, visit aharts.org.
This program is made possible in part by Monmouth Arts through funding from the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
