Art by Alex S.

Alex Schudel is 36 years young (as he likes to say), a young man who enjoys life in Alaska, with Down syndrome.  With several generations of artists in the family, his mother Karen suspected he had this hidden talent as well.  The question was, how to get the talent to surface?  Drawing a picture of his uncle’s airplane for a thank you note (after going for a ride) led Alex to a new hobby. 

 

He began to draw his favorite things at home.  If you asked, “What are Alex’s favorite things?”  the answer would be “Vehicles, of course!”  Many of his drawings have been “Thank You” gifts to friends and family.  He has been a lucky guy to go for rides or happily just sit in many awesome machines.  He has checked some vehicles off his bucket list, such as a snow cat, a back hoe, a Cessna airplane as well as riding in a motor grader, a helicopter, and a fire truck.  The list goes on. He will Google any type vehicle that comes to mind, study the details a few minutes, and he is on his way sketching. 

 

He is content working on some drawings for four hours straight or longer.  First he sketches it out, then darkens the lines with a fine tip marker, and then adds the color.  His portfolio and confidence are growing fast, as well as his to-do list of future sketches.  His family is proud that he is carrying on the talent of expression in the arts.

 

Alex becomes a social butterfly when he and his mom set up his booth at different festivals around town. He wants everyone to stop by and admire his art.  When they do stop by they always ask, "Alex, Did you draw all of these?" Ever so proudly Alex will answer with a stretched out "yes." Then a comment "You are amazing" arises. As soon as our customer begins to browse Alex is up with an item in hand sharing his story. If they give him a minute.  He will give them ten.

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