You will be amazed when you see the incredible art created by young artist, Grant Maniér (maun-yay)! Grant has found a way to beautifully blend his two worlds: autism and art. His obsession with paper became his form of art therapy. Grant is changing the perceptions of how to reduce, reuse, and recycle by creating extraordinary collages using thousands of pieces of recycled calendars, magazines, posters, puzzles and more. From January 15 through February 15, Grant’s books, prints, and stuffed jigsaw giraffe’s and keychains are available at Jack & Mary’s in Schulenburg (610 Lyons Avenue). Jack and Mary’s is a communal space that encourages positive social interaction and inclusion among individuals of all ages and abilities. Additionally, one of the two originals that Grant has donated to benefit Turtle Wing that will be auctioned off on-line prior to the Turtle Wing Toast is there to be viewed.
The connection between Grant’s story and Jack & Mary’s is simple. Jack & Mary’s houses And Then’s day hab program for young adults. And Then is a provider for Turtle Wing Foundation and provides meaningful work, social, and life opportunities for young adults on the autism spectrum or that have intellectual disabilities. Grant found his meaningful work in his art. One of Grant’s first speaking engagements was for the Turtle Wing Toast in 2014. Now he has traveled across the nation, sharing his story and his art! He will share his journey and hopes to encourage others to focus on what they can do, not what they cannot, in themselves and their children.
Grant also has a new children’s book series: Grant the Jigsaw Giraffe and friends. Grant’s mother, Julie Coy, writes the content and Grant is the illustrator. Additionally, all of his books are printed using Dyslexie Font. Dyslexie Font is designed to enhance reading abilities for people with reading challenges. Heavy baseline, varying ascending/descending links and semi-italics, among others, assures that the Dyslexie Font offers optimal reading comfort. His books visit topics such as inclusion, dyslexia, childhood cancer, and the pandemic.
All are welcome to come hear Grant at the Turtle Wing Toast on January 28, 2021. The Toast is held annually to Remember, Rejoice and Renew! the previous year’s accomplishments. This year’s Toast is scheduled will be held upstairs at Sengelmann Hall in Schulenburg. All Turtle Wing families, supporters, donors, volunteers or those who want to learn more about the work of the foundation are invited to attend and no ticket is necessary due to being underwritten by Turtle Wing providers Hatch, Beyond Therapy, And Then and Complete Hometown Physical Therapy. Doors will open at 6 PM and the program will start at 7 PM.
The mission of Turtle Wing focuses on “helping children with learning challenges in rural areas achieve their full potential.” For more information contact Susie Shank at (979)505-5090. Turtle Wing has been providing Early Intervention, Supplemental Services and Community Education & Advocacy programming to children and families with academic, social-emotional, behavioral and/or developmental needs since 2012. Last year 379 children received direct services with thousands more benefiting indirectly through education and advocacy work. Anyone interested in learning more is encouraged to attend the Turtle Wing Toast, visit the Turtle Wing Facebook page @turtlewingfoundation, or the website www.turtlewingfoundation.org.
