I'm an Artist tells the story of the often hidden children of our times-students with learning disabilities. In this heartwarming documentary young adults with Down syndrome, autism, and behavior issues collaborate with a dedicated teacher to create artwork for their first professional gallery exhibition. As the students draw, color, and paint we witness how these children, who often struggle in life every day, gain confidence and self-acceptance through artistic expression.

ABOUT THE FILM

When someone showed us photographs of artwork created by students with learning disabilities, we immediately set out to learn more about these striking images. As soon as we visited the schools in New Jersey and began talking with Mary Jo, the art teacher, we knew we were on to something. Mary Jo has such a passion for using art to teach, engage and inspire her students that we in turn, were instantly inspired to start filming.

Over the course of an academic year our cameras followed several students on their journey to create art for their first professional gallery event. We also filmed them at various school events, such as their field day and senior trip. It was a special and rewarding experience for us as filmmakers to be allowed such access to the schools and to get to know these amazing children so well.

Most people talk about what children with learning disabilities can’t accomplish, one art teacher showed what they can. I’m an Artist is a heartfelt story about a woman who never stops teaching her students that there are no mistakes in art. We hope you enjoy the documentary.

ABOUT THE SCHOOLS

I’m an Artist was filmed at the wonderful schools run by RKS Associates. The partners and staff are extraordinary.

For more information about the Alpha, Harbor, and Gateway Schools in New Jersey, please visit the website: http://www.rksassociates.com/

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Credits
Directors/Producers: Joseph Hammond, Rachael Profiloski/ Director of Photography: Georgia Manukas/ Editor: John Sanvidge / Original Music by: Force Theory / Sound: Mike Frank

SYNOPSIS:

I’m an Artist tells the story of the often hidden children of our times-students with learning disabilities. In this heartwarming documentary young adults with Down syndrome, autism, and behavior issues collaborate with a dedicated teacher to create artwork for their first professional gallery exhibition. As the students draw, color, and paint we witness how these children, who often struggle in life every day, gain confidence and self-acceptance through artistic expression. The documentary also follows the children to their field day and graduation, providing a rare inside view of life at a special needs school. At the heart of the film is Mary Jo, a woman who never stops teaching her students that there are no mistakes in art. With unwavering enthusiasm and support she demonstrates that children with learning disabilities can achieve more growth than most people believe possible.

CREDITS:

Producers: Joseph Hammond, Rachael Profiloski/ Director of Photography: Georgia Manukas/ Editor: John Sanvidge / Original Music by: Force Theory / Sound: Mike Frank

ABOUT THE FILMMAKERS:

Rachael Profiloski has been in the filmmaking industry for nearly 10 years, producing high quality programming for major television networks including PBS, Discovery, National Geographic, and History. She wrote and produced A Change of Face, a miniseries for MSNBC about New York City’s top plastic surgeons and story produced the series Runway Moms for Discovery Health. Her extensive field experience ranges from directing intense medical shoots in the O-R to coordinating large-scale period reenactments for historical documentaries.

Joseph Hammond is a multi-talented producer with 7 years of experience in the film industry. Joseph has directed and shot many high quality national and local TV commercials, lifestyle programs and promo videos. Joseph’s experiences have taken him on high impact shoots around the world including being on the field of a live Polo match in Palm Beach and filming jockeys at the Breeders cup in California. http://www.joeyhammond.com