Blue hearts are springing up all over St. Andrew’s Autism Centre (SAAC). These exquisite artworks are a testament to the love, imagination and resilience of more than 100 pupils from St. Andrew’s Autism School (SAAS).
Guided by art teachers Jaslyn Seow and Angelia Ang, the youngsters, aged between 9 and 16 years, took time out of their art lessons to work on these collaborative pour painting projects.
As its name implies, paint is poured onto the wooden hearts and swirled from side to side, hence achieving a marbled effect. .
“Every time the paint is poured, it results in a different effect,” as Angelia points out, “but the mix of different paints and effects can create a gorgeous marbled appearance. In the same way, while our students may seem to have the same ‘disability’, each one is a unique individual.”
Each heart features 3 to 4 pours of paints, with blue as the base and pink and/or purple for vibrance and depth. Of blue, the hue associated with autism, Jaslyn says: “There’s no right or wrong blue – the perfect one is different for every child.”
To give these budding artists a voice, both teachers encouraged them to add a finishing touch. This was achieved by using various embellishments, such as pipe cleaners, beads and sprinklings of glitter.
“Some persons with autism seek out sensory experiences,” Jaslyn explains, “so it was an opportunity for them to play with different or favourite textures.”
These 14 blue hearts will be completed in April, a very special month for everyone at SAAC. To kick off World Autism Awareness Day on 2 April, we are rolling out a new edition of #LoveIsBlue.
The celebrations culminate on 20 April at SAAS Open House 2024. Happening at our Siglap campus at 1 Elliot Road, from 9.30am to 12nn, Open House 2024 is an opportunity for parents and/with children who are on the spectrum to visit our school and find out more about its curriculum and programmes.
Apart from a familiarisation tour of the school grounds – stop by for a session of storytelling or a quick consult with allied professionals – Open House 2024 also features myriad fringe activities and food and beverage booths.
SAAS, which caters to pupils aged 7 to 18, is among the lifespan support services SAAC offers to persons with autism. We also have 2 Day Activity Centres and a Residential Home.
“Many children we work with at SAAS are partially verbal. But through art, they learn to find their own voice and to express themselves,” says Jaslyn.
“The kids have taught me a lot,” says Jaslyn, “especially to find beauty in the little things in life.”
To adopt a Blue Heart or for more information, please contact us directly at [email protected] between 1-30 April 2024.
