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.

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

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).

In 2008 The Aspinauts and I were gathered in a living room improvising with me doing beat poetry as the guys jammed on guitars, drums, keyboards.  It became an anti war protest song, Ladies and Gentlemen.  Luckily, someone hit the record button so when Paul joined us as drummer in 2009 we began to rehearse the song.  It became a powerful, almost Floydian stand out piece of sound art and made it onto the debut album, Broken Biscuit in 2010.

Here’s the video clip made by Oz Thomas, a colorful human and a wonderful poet in his own right.

The Aspinauts are known for their mixture of theatre, spoken word and catchy, evocative songs with meaning.  Having played small independent theatres, we like to connect with the audience, create an intimate atmosphere.  So the concept of house concerts really appealed.  So what is a house concert? Read the rest of this entry »

We’ve always considered Donna and The Aspinauts to be diversity friendly but what does it mean to be a disability friendly band?  Is it about having people with disabilities in the band?  Is it about making it easy for those with disabilities to attend your gigs and shows?  Is it about having a natural sense of equality with and respect for those with disabilities?  Is it about having a strong presence in the wider disability community?  Read the rest of this entry »

The rock musical, Footsteps of a Nobody, next goes to Doncaster Playhouse in Doncaster on Saturday 20th Jan.  We’re also planning on a show in April to support international Autism Month.  For information about the show visit www.aspinauts.com .

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

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

Donna Williams presents…Jam Jar; the classic 1995 autism documentary features bestselling autistic author, Donna Williams. It was filmed in Wales and produced by Channel 4 in association with Fresh Film and screened on TV in the UK. It follows Donna in her daily life on a farm in rural Wales with her first husband, a man on the autistic spectrum. Read the rest of this entry »

Combining color with rhythms and beats, movement, voice and characterisation, the hour long, interactive Soundscapes Program combines elements of music and drama into the one program. Read the rest of this entry »