Art Gallery
The Volunteer Organization of CPRI (VOCPRI) and the London & Region FASD Virtual Conference Committee sought artists of all ages with living experience of neurodiversity and their families/caregivers to submit original artwork. Artists were encouraged to submit drawings, paintings, collages, sculptures, digital art, songs, poems, or any piece of art using any medium!
The deadline to submit was September 25, 2026. The winning entry will receive $250, and two runner-up entries will receive $125 each.
All artwork may not be used without the expressed written consent of the site administrator (cpri.educate@ontario.ca) and artist.
Koko
Name: Koen D
Description: Over the years, I’ve learned a talent of making simplistic, yet effective, designs; one of which became a favourite of many. Over time, I stayed in a comfort zone of just making what was easy, but that’s not how the world works. I never felt proud of what I did and I never knew why I felt that way. Then, something my art teacher said to another student hit me like a brick: “you can’t move forward if you lock yourself in a room.” So, I became courageous and decided to go the hard route for once. I wasn’t proud of being praised, as it meant nothing. It was the effort that I craved, not the grade, not the public view, and not what was easy. For two months of working through my mornings, my classes, and my lunch breaks, averaging two-and-a-half-hours a day, I was finally able to complete my masterpiece. It’s not perfect, but I’m proud of my effort. Today, he sits on my desk with my other artwork to remind me that going beyond what you know and what you are comfortable with can be worth it.
Description: Over the years, I’ve learned a talent of making simplistic, yet effective, designs; one of which became a favourite of many. Over time, I stayed in a comfort zone of just making what was easy, but that’s not how the world works. I never felt proud of what I did and I never knew why I felt that way. Then, something my art teacher said to another student hit me like a brick: “you can’t move forward if you lock yourself in a room.” So, I became courageous and decided to go the hard route for once. I wasn’t proud of being praised, as it meant nothing. It was the effort that I craved, not the grade, not the public view, and not what was easy. For two months of working through my mornings, my classes, and my lunch breaks, averaging two-and-a-half-hours a day, I was finally able to complete my masterpiece. It’s not perfect, but I’m proud of my effort. Today, he sits on my desk with my other artwork to remind me that going beyond what you know and what you are comfortable with can be worth it.
In a Galaxy Far, Far Away
Name: Damian B
Description: I’m a neurodiverse artist who enjoys everything painting/drawing-related. This painting was inspired by my interest in how amazingly beautiful the universe can be. It was made with an airbrush. The painting reminds me of the beauty in darkness.
Description: I’m a neurodiverse artist who enjoys everything painting/drawing-related. This painting was inspired by my interest in how amazingly beautiful the universe can be. It was made with an airbrush. The painting reminds me of the beauty in darkness.
The Ultimate Sacrifice
Name: Damian B
Description: I was inspired by a scene while watching ‘Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You!” I’m a neurodiverse artist who loves to paint and draw everything, from anime to planets. I love this painting because it shows Ash doing anything to protect the people/friends he loves.
Description: I was inspired by a scene while watching ‘Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You!” I’m a neurodiverse artist who loves to paint and draw everything, from anime to planets. I love this painting because it shows Ash doing anything to protect the people/friends he loves.
Putting the Pieces Back Together Again
Name: Deb K
Description: I am an adoptive mom to a now 18-year-old son who has FASD and other mental health diagnoses. It has been, and continues to be, a very challenging journey. We have encountered roadblocks and difficult times throughout as a family and through most systems we have reached out to for help. I am tired, to say the least, but in the past year I re-discovered my love for art and created an artist room in my home, using mixed media layering textures, colours, and materials; thus, the title, ‘Putting the Pieces Back Together Again.’ It is my vacation spot, my healing space. I go into that room most times feeling defeated and come out refreshed and renewed. This abstract painting speaks to me putting the pieces of myself back together and creating something beautiful and stronger. Each day, I go forward trying to have hope, and art has helped me to regain a sense of peace. I often have many colors now in my heart and mind.
Description: I am an adoptive mom to a now 18-year-old son who has FASD and other mental health diagnoses. It has been, and continues to be, a very challenging journey. We have encountered roadblocks and difficult times throughout as a family and through most systems we have reached out to for help. I am tired, to say the least, but in the past year I re-discovered my love for art and created an artist room in my home, using mixed media layering textures, colours, and materials; thus, the title, ‘Putting the Pieces Back Together Again.’ It is my vacation spot, my healing space. I go into that room most times feeling defeated and come out refreshed and renewed. This abstract painting speaks to me putting the pieces of myself back together and creating something beautiful and stronger. Each day, I go forward trying to have hope, and art has helped me to regain a sense of peace. I often have many colors now in my heart and mind.
FASD and Me
Name: Holly
Description: I am a teen with FASD and I wrote this poem because I wanted other people to know what it’s like to have FASD. I don’t think people actually understand how hard it is to have FASD. This poem is special to me because it is about me.
Description: I am a teen with FASD and I wrote this poem because I wanted other people to know what it’s like to have FASD. I don’t think people actually understand how hard it is to have FASD. This poem is special to me because it is about me.
Michigan
Name: Jacob A
Description: My sculpture is of my old dog, Michigan. Michigan was my favourite dog and my friend. Whenever I was upset, I would play with her and it would make me happy. I liked to play with Michigan at the park. My family got Michigan and her sibling in Windsor. We named her sibling, Windsor. Michigan was a German Shepherd. I miss you, Michigan -- Rest in Peace.
Description: My sculpture is of my old dog, Michigan. Michigan was my favourite dog and my friend. Whenever I was upset, I would play with her and it would make me happy. I liked to play with Michigan at the park. My family got Michigan and her sibling in Windsor. We named her sibling, Windsor. Michigan was a German Shepherd. I miss you, Michigan -- Rest in Peace.
The Synaptic Garden
Name: Shannon B
Description: As a neurodivergent artist living with FASD, I created ‘The Synaptic Garden’ as a tarot card to symbolize the intuitive and personal journey of my mind. Painted in soft watercolors with Sharpie accents, the piece depicts an echinacea-like flower sprouting directly out of the top of the brain, its roots reaching all the way down through the base of a tree. This image represents how my lived experience and different neural pathways foster unique life and creative growth. To me, it honors the beauty and strength inherent in a differently wired brain.
Description: As a neurodivergent artist living with FASD, I created ‘The Synaptic Garden’ as a tarot card to symbolize the intuitive and personal journey of my mind. Painted in soft watercolors with Sharpie accents, the piece depicts an echinacea-like flower sprouting directly out of the top of the brain, its roots reaching all the way down through the base of a tree. This image represents how my lived experience and different neural pathways foster unique life and creative growth. To me, it honors the beauty and strength inherent in a differently wired brain.
The Flame of Trinidad and Tobago
Name: The Wrong Artist
Description: I’m a neurodiverse artist, with an ethnic background from Trinidad and Tobago. I was inspired by my roots and going to Caribana, listening to the music, and dancing around a fire pit.
Description: I’m a neurodiverse artist, with an ethnic background from Trinidad and Tobago. I was inspired by my roots and going to Caribana, listening to the music, and dancing around a fire pit.
The Isle of Chill
Name: The Wrong Artist
Description: ‘The Isle of Chill’ was made with watercolours on watercolour paper. It represents an island where people can simply “chill.” Imagine a place where no one is talking to you, and you have no responsibilities other than just existing. This painting was inspired by a usual trip I take to the park, where there are many individuals who take different corners around the park to create their own little “isles of chill.”
Description: ‘The Isle of Chill’ was made with watercolours on watercolour paper. It represents an island where people can simply “chill.” Imagine a place where no one is talking to you, and you have no responsibilities other than just existing. This painting was inspired by a usual trip I take to the park, where there are many individuals who take different corners around the park to create their own little “isles of chill.”
Ninja Turtle
Name: Tianna S
Description: I am a 15-year-old neurodiverse artist. I have always loved drawing since about age 3. Sometimes, there’s no actual inspiration, I just start drawing. I wanted to draw this as it was my favourite Ninja Turtle as a child.
Description: I am a 15-year-old neurodiverse artist. I have always loved drawing since about age 3. Sometimes, there’s no actual inspiration, I just start drawing. I wanted to draw this as it was my favourite Ninja Turtle as a child.
neuro
Name: Whitney G
Description: My name is Whitney and I am a neurodiverse artist. Art for me is a meditative practice that calms my overactive mind/anxiety and depression. The inspiration for this painting was to capture some of the many feelings that come with being neurodivergent, such as masking, drowning in your own emotions, and a mind that runs wild and unruly.
Description: My name is Whitney and I am a neurodiverse artist. Art for me is a meditative practice that calms my overactive mind/anxiety and depression. The inspiration for this painting was to capture some of the many feelings that come with being neurodivergent, such as masking, drowning in your own emotions, and a mind that runs wild and unruly.
Do You Have My Back?
Name: Sarah D
Description: My name is Sarah and this art piece I created is dedicated to my Mom. She died in 2022, but her support stays with me and helps me use my voice and talents to talk about FASD. It is not just for me that I am doing this art, it is for everyone else to know and understand what living with FASD can be like -- it can be a struggle. I used watercolours and paint markers that were bright and hopeful colours because we all have strengths and I am proud of who I am. Thank you for reviewing my art. I hope you like it. It was fun to create.
Description: My name is Sarah and this art piece I created is dedicated to my Mom. She died in 2022, but her support stays with me and helps me use my voice and talents to talk about FASD. It is not just for me that I am doing this art, it is for everyone else to know and understand what living with FASD can be like -- it can be a struggle. I used watercolours and paint markers that were bright and hopeful colours because we all have strengths and I am proud of who I am. Thank you for reviewing my art. I hope you like it. It was fun to create.
Cards
Name: Val H
Description: These pieces are expressions of things of beauty around me. I love to try to capture them.
Description: These pieces are expressions of things of beauty around me. I love to try to capture them.
Hand Painted Artwork
Name: Val H
Description: These pieces are expressions of things of beauty around me. I love to try to capture them.
Description: These pieces are expressions of things of beauty around me. I love to try to capture them.
Welcome Sign
Name: Val H
Description: These pieces are expressions of things of beauty around me. I love to try to capture them.
Description: These pieces are expressions of things of beauty around me. I love to try to capture them.