Autism Paints Documentary Premieres in Huntington
The Spirit of Huntington Art Center recently presented the world premiere of the documentary film Autism Paints at the Cinema Arts Centre in Huntington. The documentary is about the origins of the charity organization that grew from one artist’s quest to fulfill a dream of opening an art school for students with special needs.
A special panel discussion before the screening featured founder and artist Erich Preis, Producer/Director David Stagnari, Board Member and Real Estate Developer Dominic Mavellia, and Charles Evdos, executive director of RISE Life Services, and was moderated by Michael Kitakis, executive director of The Spirit of Huntington Art Center. The panel brings us up to date on what happened after filming concluded, and where Erich, his students, and the organization are today.
Filmed on Long Island and completed in 2017, the documentary introduces us to Erich Preis, an artist diagnosed with ASD who lovingly and stubbornly restored a vacant space that was overlooked. His goal was to provide the community with public art through projects created by young community members facing the challenges of autism in pursuit of creative expression. Autism Paints highlights the importance of inclusion and diversity in the arts, and the amazing, restorative power of self-expression through art.
The Spirit of Huntington Art Center today is a thriving, vibrant community hub for self-expression for all ages, all abilities, where all are welcome.
