Art of the M.I.N.D. Institute on display at State Capitol

Pieces provide insights into the world of people living with autism

In honor of Autism Awareness Month, reproductions of eight pieces of artwork from the permanent collection of the UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute are on display at the State Capitol building through April 28. The works, representing the individual styles of eight artists who have autism, can be seen on the first floor of the building just outside of the governor’s office.

“The artwork we see every day in our building helps inspire us as we work to find cures for neurodevelopmental disorders. We’re thrilled to be able to share part of our wonderful collection – and its inspiration – with Capitol employees and visitors,” said Robert Hendren, executive director of the UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute and chief of child and adolescent psychiatry for the UC Davis School of Medicine.

While Hendren enjoys all of the art at the M.I.N.D. Institute, one of his favorites is “Haircut,” painted by Reed Feshbach. This piece recreates the discomfort of a young boy going to the barbershop. A large bumblebee depicts the noise of the razor, and a clearly visible exit sign indicates how Reed would like to escape from getting a haircut.

“It reminds me of what the world seems like to children with autism. The heightened awareness of sound and anxiety over what to others would be a routine occurrence gives us a glimpse into Reed’s perspective,” said Hendren, who in his clinical practice treats children severely affected by autism. “While people with autism have difficulties communicating, art can become a very effective and touching way for them to express themselves.”

In addition to "Haircut," works included in the exhibit are Mark Rimland’s depiction of Tom Hanks with a mischievous look and a colorful bird on his shoulder, Chris Murray’s view of the Plaza Hotel in New York City created through a series of renderings patchwork-quilted together, and Ricky Hagedorn’s rendition of a Chevrolet El Camino with his characteristic writing across the finished artwork and postage-stamp style self portrait.

The State Capitol is located in downtown Sacramento at 10th and L streets with an ADA-accessible entrance on 11th and N streets. Those unable to visit the Capitol during Autism Awareness Month can make arrangements to see the 45 original pieces by 21 different artists that make up the entire UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute art collection by calling (916) 703-0280. The pieces are also featured in the book "Art of the M.I.N.D.," which is available for purchase. Proceeds benefit patient and research programs at the institute. For more information, visit www.mindinstitute.org.