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Art means business for autistic teen
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(Arianne Starnes/For The Baltimore Examiner)
Gary Schemedes, 16, an autistic artist, molds a red devil out of molding clay on Wednesday in Glen Burnie. Gary’s parents helped create a Web site for him to sell his art to prepare him for life after school by creating a business out of his art. For Gary Schemedes Jr., art is everything. Gary, 16, who is autistic, fills his days by avidly creating unusual clay sculptures and drawing bright, colorful comic strips and cartoon-like characters. “Gary is gifted, like all people who have autism,” said Clarence Weefur, who for the past three years has tutored the Glen Burnie teenager through Trellis Services, an autism organization. “He decided to use his creativity, to put it to work.” His father, Gary Sr., was so impressed by his son’s artwork that he created a Web site where people can purchase T-shirts, tote bags, magnets and coffee mugs that are adorned with his vibrant creations. Ten percent from each sale goes to the Anne Arundel County Chapter of the Autism Society of America, which offers education and support for its members, most of whom have a family member with the disability. “Gary is such a nice person; he just wants to help other people with his art,” Weefur said. For his family, the hope is that Gary’s art can motivate others with autism, which is a disability that hinders the development of social and communication skills. “Gary’s art can show them what is possible,” said his mother, Syleste. Gary attends St. Elizabeth School, a Baltimore City private school for middle and high school students with disabilities. The Anne Arundel County school system pays for his tuition and provides busing because the county could not meet his needs, Syleste Schemedes said. “He does well in a classroom that is small and structured,” she said. “If he were in a public school program with a large group of students, it would be too much for him.” Recently, Gary’s 10th-grade teacher helped him create a short animated film, using his voice and sculptures. Students with disabilities are enrolled in school until they are 21, and Gary’s parents are hoping his artistic talent will provide a career for him after he graduates. |