O'side middle schooler brings art to sick children nationwide

Sixth grader Autum Blois realized the therapeutic power of art first-hand as a patient in the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Inspired by art therapy programs in the hospital where she was forced to make extended stays due to a chronic illness, Autum was able to find solace in art, specifically drawing. According to Autum’s mother, Maureen, art helps her daughter — who is autistic — express herself. “For Autum, sometimes she can’t communicate what is wrong but she can through art, sometimes when you’re in the hospital it is hard to say why you’re sad,” she said.

The only problem was that her voracious appetite for art required plenty of supplies, something that the hospital was not well equipped with. Frustrated with the lack of resources, Autum grew determined to help other kids who may be dealing with the same issue. That is when Autum started Autum’s Colors, a program to supply sick children with bags of art supplies in the hope that they could draw as much strength and joy from art as Autum does.

An Oceanside resident, her project has reached children as far as Ohio, delivering bags to children in the same hospital that inspired Autum to begin her project. Autum raises money for the Autum’s Colors through a gofundme.com page, she also receives support from Oceanside School No. 3 and No. 6 where in 2016, month-long art drives were held to collect supplies. Locally, Autum’s Colors has reached children at South Nassau Communities Hospital.

Inside every bag are various supplies, including crayons, pencils, a coloring book and an art pad. Autum never liked when the hospital only had coloring books and no place for her to draw freely. As a result, she always makes sure to give children the option to color outside the lines. Also included in the bags is a card with an email address for children to reach Autum and send their artwork.

Autum’s Colors has delivered over 1,300 bags of art supplies to hospitals, providing other children with a medium for expression and therapy that Autum enjoys so much. If you would like to support Autum’s Colors donate to her gofundme page at www.gofundme.com/rw2k5w6x