Art of Autism III exhibit opens June 7

Local Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) artists and artists with other special needs of all ages will have their art on display in a special exhibit beginning June 7 titled “Special Art From Special Folks: Art of Autism III” at the Gallery of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College’s Georgia Museum of Agriculture (GMA).

“Special Art From Special Folks: Art of Autism III” opens to the public with a drop-in milk and cookies reception beginning at 2 p.m. in the museum’s art gallery.

The exhibit is a showcase of visual art, digital art, 3-D art, and a written word component.

“This exhibit provides a safe and celebratory space to display art made by artists with various special needs and abilities,” said GMA Curator Polly Huff. “It has been a privilege to watch it unlock enhanced communication through creative expression, and to improve imagination and motor skills in some of our artists. Additionally, the project aimed to build stronger relationships within families with autistic children in the Tifton community.”

This special exhibit project started in December 2021 with the first Art of Autism exhibition and has now become an annual event for the Gallery. The project won the Georgia Association of Museums’ Best Exhibit Award in February 2025. Built with art made by local artists of all ages and abilities, the project ‘s purpose is to let art positively impact those individuals, and those who love and care for them, according to Huff.

In addition to the exhibit opening, the GMA’s curatorial and interpretive staff are collaborating to bring a sensory-friendly experience to visitors to the site on that day. Museum guests with low sensory needs who are purchasing admission to the site on June 7 will be able to request a special sticker, which will alert the staff to their preference for a low-sensory experience. Headphones for the train will also be available upon request.

Huff has recently implemented two quiet spaces for Gallery visitors with ASD and designed a social story for the GMA Gallery. Social stories are documents which assist visitors with ASD so they have a better understanding of the museum space by providing meaningful information, giving options, setting expectation parameters, and providing flexibility on a visit which can otherwise be stressful.

The exhibit will remain open through July 25. After the opening event, admission to this exhibit will be included in the daily museum admission, which can be purchased at The Country Store.