In honor of National Autism Awareness Month, Gallery on Main presents a keyboard performance by pianist Bob Hogarth, a sale of prints and notecards by artists James Hogarth and Simon Levers, and a meet-and-greet with the artists. Admission is free and refreshments will be served.
Bob Hogarth is a pianist with autism. He has been playing since the age of ten, and practices every day. Bob was taught by the late Connie Tarantino of Connie’s Music Center in Somerville. Connie’s patience and kindness helped Bob beyond what anyone thought was possible. Bob has perfect pitch and exceptional fine motor skills. He has performed at area nursing homes and at his church, Bridgewater United Methodist Church, where he also plays the bells. Bob attends the adult program at Princeton Child Development Institute. He works alongside a job coach three days a week at Sanofi in Bridgewater.
James Hogarth, Bob’s twin brother, is an artist with autism. He has been creating bright and cheerful pictures since the age of four, using pens and markers to render his intricately detailed pieces. His work has been featured on note cards and holiday card collections to benefit his school, Princeton Child Development Institute. He has illustrated numerous Toys ”R” Us cards and tote bags, and donated artwork to Autism New Jersey. James attends the adult program at Princeton Child Development Institute — a private, non-profit program offering a broad spectrum of science-based services to children, youths, and adults with autism. He works alongside a job coach at PEAC Health & Fitness, an athletic club in Pennington, NJ.
When Simon Levers was diagnosed with autism at 3 years old he couldn’t speak, but boy could he sing! This was the first hint at just how much art could alleviate his communication deficits. In an effort to expand his socially acceptable activities, teachers at Princeton Child Development Institute (PCDI) put a paintbrush in his hand and he was off. Now 14 years old, Simon has developed a beautiful impressionist style. PCDI has helped Simon greatly improve his social skills, communication and independence. As a thank-you, a percentage of the sales of his artwork will be donated by Simon and his mother to PCDI.