Mod Market’s 5th annual Autism Acceptance Art Show opens Tuesday, April 8, with a mission to showcase the talents of 12 local artists.

Held at Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea in Novi Town Center, the event honors Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month and highlights the creativity and individuality of neurodiverse artists.

The exhibition, which runs through May 13, features an eclectic mix of artistic styles and mediums, with all pieces available for purchase. Half of the proceeds will go directly to the artists. The remainder will support Mod Market, an artisan shop and job training program operated by the Living and Learning Enrichment Center in Northville.

A platform for artistic expression

For many of the featured artists, creating art is more than just a passion — it’s a means of self-expression and a way to connect with the world. One such artist, Sara Sturtevant, began painting daily during the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to stay calm and relaxed.

“I love drawing flowers, animals and nature,” Sturtevant said. “I use bright, vivid colors, and painting helps me feel at peace. It’s like it takes me to my home place.”

Sturtevant’s work, including her piece “Beautiful Garden Flowers,” is inspired by her love of nature and the changing seasons. She said she was tired of winter and was ready for spring.

“So I painted something that reminded me of warm weather,” she said. In addition to original paintings, Sturtevant also sells note cards, framed prints, tote bags, mugs and magnets featuring her artwork, with proceeds supporting Mod Market’s employment training programs.

Another featured artist, Nicholas Gorski, specializes in oil and acrylic paintings, often exploring abstract design. Gorski, who studied fine arts at Schoolcraft College and Madonna University, finds solace in his creative process.

“When I paint, I feel a release from my isolation from the ‘normal’ world, I feel like I belong to something,” Gorski said. “Painting gives me a sense of belonging, even if it’s just to the paints and the canvas as I express myself.”

Gorski’s work includes Detroit Skyline, a vibrant representation of his hometown.

“The abstract and blurred colors represent a city in motion, where nothing ever seems to stand still,” he said. “I use a rainbow of colors to reflect the dynamic cultural diversity of Detroit.”

Gorski is inspired by artists Vincent Van Gogh and Jackson Pollock.

“I am like them as their lives were troubled and they did not do well in society because of mental illness,” he said. “ I am nothing like their talent, only in what they struggle with in their minds — we do not belong and do not see the world around us as others do.”

Gorski said he has characteristics of autism and anxiety.

“I see the world in a very different way than most ‘normal people,’ and I use colors, shading, and texture to put what I see on the canvas,” he said. “Painting and drawing give me a sense of belonging and accepting myself as I am.”

The show’s impact

The Autism Acceptance Art Show is more than just an exhibition — it’s an opportunity for artists to be recognized and celebrated for their talents. According to Mod Market Manager Amy Bonser, the partnership with Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea has provided an invaluable platform for artists with autism.

“We’ve been curating art on their walls for nearly five years, and every April, we dedicate our show to autism awareness and acceptance,” Bonser explained. “It’s a great way to showcase the incredible talents of these artists while fostering a deeper understanding of neurodiversity.”

Bonser emphasizes the importance of creating an environment where artists are seen for their work, not just their diagnoses.

“We want people to recognize these individuals as artists first,” she said. “Their autism is a part of who they are, but their art stands on its own.”

The opening reception, scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m. April 8, is a particularly meaningful event for the artists and their families.

“It’s wonderful to see the artists experience firsthand how much people appreciate their work,” Bonser said. “For some, this is their first time ever showcasing their art in public, and the support from the community is incredibly encouraging.”

Mod Market, an initiative of the Living and Learning Enrichment Center, provides employment training and sales opportunities for artists with autism and other developmental disabilities.

“When our founder, Rachelle Bartini, started Living and Learning, she realized that many of our participants had artistic talent, but limited opportunities to share and sell their work,” Bonser said. “That’s how Mod Market was born — it’s a place where artists can earn money, gain experience, and build confidence.”

Beyond the art show, Mod Market partners with nearly 100 local artists, of which 50 percent have different abilities. The store offers a diverse selection of handmade goods, from jewelry and pottery to textiles and wall art.

“It’s not just about selling artwork,” Bonser said. “It’s about giving these artists a place where they feel valued and included.”

A call to support neurodiverse artists

The Autism Acceptance Art Show is an invitation for the community to celebrate and support neurodiverse artists.

“We hope people come out to the opening reception to engage with the artists and see their work up close,” Bonser said. “The exhibit will be on display through mid-May, so there’s plenty of time to visit and appreciate the talent on display.”

For artists like Gorski, community support is essential.

“Mod Market provides a space where people like me, who might struggle to fit into traditional workplaces, can thrive,” he said. “Having places like this helps us feel understood and accepted.”

He also encourages others with autism to “pick up the paintbrush.”

“Pick up the pencil, the colored pencils, the chalk, the markers. … Find a piece of paper, draw on the back of a brown grocery bag. Find the instruments of art and let your imagination go,” he said. “It feels good to express what lives in your mind so others can see later how you feel inside.”

Sturtevant believes art is a way to bring joy to others.

“I hope people feel happy when they see my work,” she said. “I hope they feel as happy as I am when I create art.”