2014-325 Arts - Barbara Tyroler for Spring 2014 Arts Grant Agreement $1,000

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J Summary I am submitting this proposal for the 2014-2015 Orange County Arts Commission spring grant season for artist supplies in the production of a new series of fine art and documentary style photographs for a solo exhibition at the Horace William House in conjunction with Autism Awareness month 2015. For my artist reception, I am collaborating with the Autism Society of North Carolina to host the pivotal forum celebrating families and community partners who work with and/or live with people who experience Autism Spectrum Disorder. In 2013, I received a small grant from the OCAC to begin a project working with the Adapted Aquatics program at the Homestead Aquatics Center. Due to the overflow of positive response, I will continue to gift my portraits to the families and volunteers and to provide publicity materials to the various organizations and groups who provide services to these populations. Brief Description In July of 2013 with support from the OCAC, I began photographing children and teens with disabilities in the Homestead Pool Adapted Recreation&Inclusion swimming program. Using my photography and art, I have formed a group of community partnerships to help raise awareness and to help provide resources for people who have a family member with a sensory processing disorder such a Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Pervasive Developmental Delays (PPD). With advanced degrees in both Special Education and Imaging and Digital Arts, I deeply value this type of community work. I began building trust with both the children and parents through producing photographic gift portraits documenting the swimming lessons. I am now able to produce wonderful images for the program and families that illustrate the beauty of the students as they progress in an invaluable life skill, enjoying the comfort and joy that water brings. In a predominantly documentary approach, I produced a set of photographic panels for Autism Awareness Month 2014 at the Chapel Hill Public Library, co- hosted by the Town of Chapel Hill Adapted Aquatics recreation program and Autism Society at the Chapel Hill Library. I incorporated quotes and narrative from community experts in special education policy,therapists, families,and youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder illustrating the successes of the students,trainers, and the Adaptive Aquatics team overall. (See enclosed samples). As a fine art photographer, privileging abstraction and impressionism, I am currently completing a site-specific art installation, funded by a public arts commission, using the source material from these initial "water portraits" to celebrate the Adapted Aquatics program at the Homestead Center, unveiling June 2014.