Upper Ferntree Gully, Victoria, Thurs 5th Aug-Sat 4th Sept, 2010

MAKING MEANING An exhibition of figurative, abstract and photographic art works

One of the most well known people with autism in the world, DONNA WILLIAMS is best known as an internationally best-selling author. With 10 published books, she is also an artist, sculptor, singer-songwriter, screenwriter and public speaker. She has exhibited in New York, her work has featured in art books, magazines and newsletters around the world and sold internationally.

Donna’s husband, CHRIS SAMUEL is a Systems Manager in Super Computing. A regular blogger, his site at www.csamuel.org receives thousands of visitors a month and features his writings on a range of social and environmental topics. He been doing photography since his teens and first exhibited his photography in 2009.

WHERE: The Bakery @ 1812 Theatre, 3 Rose St, Upper Ferntree Gully

TIMES: Wednesday-Saturday:  8.30pm – 11pm,  Sundays: 4pm – 6.30pm

ENQUIRIES: admin@1812theatre.com or phone 97583964    WEB: www.1812theatre.com.au

COST: There is no cost for the exhibition and 10% of all proceeds will benefit the 1812 community theatre.

Hi folks, here’s today’s Webinar on The Power of Music and Autism. Me, Stephen Shore and Rudy Simone all featured in it… enjoy

Donna Williams, BA Hons, Dip Ed.
Author, artist, singer-songwriter, screenwriter.
Autism consultant and public speaker.
http://www.myspace.com/nobodynowherethefilm
http://www.donnawilliams.net
http://www.aspinauts.com

Continuing my discussions with French psychologist, Dr Luc-Laurent Salvador, here’s our discussion about body agnosia, autism and Exposure Anxiety: Read the rest of this entry »

On May 21st, for one night only Donna Williams and The Aspinauts will perform the rock musical Footsteps of a Nobody 7-8pm, followed by an interactive question-answer forum with the audience, Walking In Autistic Shoes, from 8-8.30pm at the Wendouree Centre For Performing Arts.  Proudly sponsored by Ballarat Autism Network as part of World Autism Awareness Month.  Read the rest of this entry »

Once upon a time a 9 year old girl had been stimming in the garden.  Thirty feet away, an excited black curly haired retriever/kelpie cross bounded about happily, looking like a cheery harmless grizzly bear.  The dog had no name for it was only visiting.  It belonged a man who’d gone on holiday and was being looked after in respite care.  But the 9 year old didn’t care, for anything friendly was a friend.  Read the rest of this entry »

Here’s my upcoming events so far…. Read the rest of this entry »

This just for fun choir is run headed by Donna Williams with Anthony Julian on keyboards. Both are musicians/singers on the autism spectrum and with the band Donna and The Aspinauts and have Working With Children cards.

Donna is a qualified teacher and autism consultant who has produced three albums and written, directed and performed musicals.  Anthony Julian has performed in musical theatre, has an extensive musical background is is presently completing a diploma in music.

WHEN: 1^st and 3^rd Sundays of the month

• Girls group: 11am-12pm
• Boys group : 1pm-2pm

WHERE: Upwey, Victoria

AGE: 5-13yrs

COST: $6

CONTACT: Donna Williams : bookings@donnawilliams.net

MORE INFO: visit http://www.myspace.com/baloombawop

Individual 15-30 minute music lessons are also available

@ $15 for 15 minutes or $20 for 30 minutes.

Donna Williams, BA Hons, Dip Ed.
Author, artist, singer-songwriter, screenwriter.
Autism consultant and public speaker.

http://www.myspace.com/nobodynowherethefilm
http://www.donnawilliams.net
http://www.aspinauts.com

A selection of my signed Limited Edition art prints are up for sale for a limited time on Ebay.

My original art works have been exhibited and sold nationally and internationally and usually sell for $100-$1,500.  The Limited Edition prints are from collections of only 50 meaning that after 50 art prints are made of each of the original works these are derived from no more art prints will be made so there will only ever be 50 of these in the world.

If you’ve wanted one of my original artworks, or want to buy one as a fundraiser for a charity auction, now’s a good time to grab one in this sale.  It lasts 6 days so be quick.  You can find the ebay link here

Happy bidding. Read the rest of this entry »

Today I went to the Rime Institute in Tecoma.  It’s a marvelous house in suburbia transformed into a Buddhist centre practicing Tibetan Buddhism.  If you’ve ever wanted to try out various forms of meditation or learn more about Buddhist spirituality of philosophy this is such a gentle, low key place with a lovely vibe.

Wondering how to stop thinking, doing, judging and learn how to be, or how to strengthen the ability to be to the point it doesn’t cause boredom, agitation or withdrawal symptoms from Facebook or Nintendo?  Then I recommend this place.

It’s donation basis is highly affordable.  You can attend sessions on an ad-hoc basis and see if its for you.  The Buddhists at the centre are real people, earthy, warm, approachable with none of that floating on clouds false ‘new agey’ thing.  Tibetan Buddhism is steeped in rich history thousands of years old.  This is real, tangible spirituality at your own pace (note, I said spirituality, not religion) and, no, you don’t have to be a vegetarian nor religious to try it out.  Even if you just go along for a new cultural experience, it’s a great atmosphere and as close as you’ll get to the feel of a Buddhist temple in the foothills of Dandenong Ranges (it’s also walking distance from Tecoma station if you want to leave the car at home).

When I was a homeless girl

I had yellow teeth with holes,

Big enough to fall through.

Twenty six years of antibiotics

written on my enamel. Read the rest of this entry »