Harrisburg area Painter Shelly Echeverria is guest artist at Arts on Union during the month of April, 2008.

Echeverria’s exhibition, “My Song,” focuses on autism and three children with whom she is acquainted and who live with this disorder. In addition to the portraits, acrylic and watercolor paintings of the state capitol dome, flowers, fish and landscapes are feature objects in the exhibit.  The public is invited to attend an opening reception on Saturday, April 5 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Autism, one of five Austism Spectrum Disorders, is a complex, life-long developmental disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain. Austism disorders affect development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Both children and adults with autism show difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities. According to a 2007 study issued by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in 150 children has some form of autism. Research shows that intensive early intervention -- services delivered to children from birth to age three -- has dramatic, positive impact on reducing the symptoms of autism spectrum disorders.

Consequently, Echeverria will donate 100% of the sales of prints of the portraits to The Autism Society of Greater Harrisburg.  Arts on Union will forego sales commissions on this work. Echeverria is giving the original portraits to the families of the three children.

Additionally, Echeverria will hold a demonstration of her painting methods on Sunday, April 13 from 2 to 4 p.m. and the public is invited to attend free of charge. The painting created during the demo will be auctioned to the highest bidder with 100% of the proceeds going to The Autism Society of Greater Harrisburg.

A graduate of Central Dauphin High School in Harrisburg, Echeverria holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. An employee of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, she and husband, Ciro, and their daughters make their home in Harrisburg.

Arts on Union, which opened in February, is the permanent venue for art by Christine Goldbeck, MFA-IA, an interdisciplinary artist whose work spans traditional and new media arts disciplines. During April, Goldbeck's work will be installed in her studio, just off the gallery. The gallery is open Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. Private appointments for weekday evening hours or weekend hours outside of regular hours may be scheduled by calling 570.205.0736.

Anyone wishing to make a memorial or standard donation to autism support is welcome to mail a check to ASA GR. Hbg. Chpt., P.O. Box 101, Enola, PA  17025.

Her painting "Daffodil Daze," mixed media on cavas, is available for purchase to the highest bidder. Shelly painted "Daffodil Daze" in the Arts on Union studio on April 13th. All proceeds of he auction will benefit the autism society. Bidding closes on the last day of April. Email your bid now or stop in Arts on Union, 203 N. Union St., Middletown, to place a bid.

Shelly reflects on her work

I paint because I must or I’ll bust! Making art brings me peace.  I can lose myself for hours while I’m painting. It’s what my soul was created to do. 

I love people and am intrigued by them.  This is why portraiture is my favorite work. In my portraits, I try to capture the personality of the individual looking beyond skin tones and features.

I was recently inspired to look back into nature after a visit to the Hershey Gardens in the summer of 2007. I am intrigued by color and prefer to use bold and vibrant palettes.