Autistic individuals focus of facility’s effort
The North Georgia Autism Foundation (NGAF) held the grand opening of their first micro-business, an art gallery, to employ individuals disabilities, January 16.
The NGAF Art Gallery, located at 11 Overview Dr. in Blue Ridge, will not only offer work for those with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disorders, but also provide volunteer opportunities for community members and display opportunities to the area’s fine artists.
NGAF Art Gallery Director Gini Bell said, “The vision started with Tripp and the Foundation Board to develop community enterprises to create lots of small businesses – that’s our dream – that will allow individuals and others with developmental disabilities to work and to feel like a valued member of society. The art gallery is our first one and our goal is to have four individuals with disabilities work and get paid.”
Executive Director Tripp Ritchie added, “It’s a little reverse in that the gallery will be operated by volunteers and the employees will be adults with developmental disabilities.” Ritchie said the Foundation is working toward making the art gallery a fine art studio where employees will be trained to work in a fine art gallery or other employment.
Future micro-business in the works potentially include a shredding business and an electronics and computer recycling business. A mini-mall is also being discussed so employees can learn retail skills. “We want to match abilities with interests and eventually have them (employees) become viable for other potential employment so that they contribute to society and become confident,” said Ritchie.
Roberta Thornton, a fiber artist, has her work displayed in the gallery. “ I’ve been waiting for something like this,” she said. “I don’t want to weave. I want to weave with a purpose. I’m retired. I love weaving and now I feel like I’m doing something to help somebody else. It’s wonderful. I think the Lord had a hand in it.”
Similarly, a first grade teacher with Mountain Area Christian Academy, Diana Tarpley, said, “It gives people on the autism spectrum an opportunity to socialize and build skills to communicate with people.”
Jan Stahl, the mother of one of the artists and the first employee, thinks the art gallery is a “fabulous” option for her son, Brian.
“We were excited to have his art displayed and to have the social opportunity it will provide him. It’s a wonderful opportunity for the community,” she said.
Anyone interested in learning more may call the Foundation at 706-946-0499.