4 minute read
A UNIQUE KIND OF ART - Art by Olivia
By Hope Johnson
Only a few individuals are fortunate enough to realize and have the ability to explore their gifts and talents as young people. One teenager is not only doing what she loves, but she is turning her passion into a profession and overcoming her disability in the process.
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Olivia Graham is a fun-loving, kind, and enthusiastic 17-year-old who loves creating art with her teacher, Kate Wagner, according to her Facebook page. She started working with Kate about three years ago. Olivia was born with Down syndrome.
Art has become an outlet for Olivia and a way to express herself, according to her mother, Laura Graham. Olivia has held local art exhibits and sells her artwork. She also creates note cards from her art.
“When I heard about art therapy and talked with Kate Wagner, who has been her art therapist for three years now, I just thought it would be a fun thing for Olivia to try,” said Laura. “It has been a match made in heaven.”
She continues, “Kate is able to really bring out Olivia’s creativity, and Olivia enjoys making things of her own. It is empowering for her to see what she has been able to create.”
When Olivia started art therapy, Laura would never have imagined that it would eventually become a profitable business for her daughter. “It has been a very positive and confidence-building experience for her,” she said.
Olivia’s business, Art by Olivia, has also allowed her to be independent, develop her job skills, and have a sense of purpose. There is opportunity out there for everyone with support and perseverance, her mom says.
Olivia and her family have lived in Westfield for 19 years. Their furry family member is a dog named Teddy. Westfield is an area with great schools and opportunities for lots to do as a family. She has gone through Westfield Washington Schools from preschool through high school and is now a junior. She has an adapted curriculum and works best with 1:1 or small group instruction. Her older brother, Noah, is a freshman at Purdue. She loves video chatting with him and is always excited when he comes home.
Olivia loves any chance to perform and show off her skills. She loves to be involved in all kinds of activities, including dance, cheer, theater, choir, and art.
“Art has provided Olivia an opportunity to share her talent with others,” says her mom. “She has participated in art shows and shared her story with many others in the community. It has been a great outlet and a way for Olivia to get involved in new things in the community.”
So far, she has displayed her artwork locally at Four Day Ray Brewery, Conner Prairie, and No Label at the Table.
Laura says that Olivia enjoys painting her creations. “It gives her a sense of accomplishment to see what she has made,” she relates. “(T)hen being able to share it with others makes her very happy. She loves talking with people about her artwork and seeing the joy it brings.”
Olivia’s inspiration for her paintings often come from a team effort between her, Laura, and Olivia’s therapist. “We work together and brainstorm ideas,” Laura explains.
Olivia’s story proves that anything is possible, and dreams can come true with the support of others. Most importantly, though, it shows that believing in yourself and overcoming difficulties are keys to success in all endeavors, no matter how large or small.
QUICK NOTE FROM THE WRITER: HOPE JOHNSON
As a person living with a disability, I understand that the importance of finding a sense of purpose in the world is a vital ingredient to life itself. Overcoming odds is the key to success, and gives a person the ability to thrive on their own terms and set and achieve self-imposed goals.
From my personal experience, if someone finds something that they truly care about, they will find a way to fulfill their dreams — no matter what their limitations. “Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” they say, and I have found this to be the case in almost every situation I have encountered.
As a writer, I know feelings of joy and accomplishment when I first read a newly-published piece that I have written. I can only imagine that Olivia feels the same exhilaration when she finishes a painting or sells a piece of artwork. The ability to create, and to have individuals like and purchase your work, is one of the most rewarding aspects of life, I feel.
Olivia discovered this when she began to paint.
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