Art by Alex S.

Alex Schudel is 33 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 has been attending two art programs that center on adults with disabilities.  Life Works allows their artists to explore many different types of art mediums.  Various local galleries and coffee shops have displayed their artist’s work.  SPARC (through the ARC) has various classes as well (e.g. pottery, painting, sculpture, silk screen).  Both programs are very supportive in sharing the talent of many artists with intellectual disabilities with the community. 

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