New art exhibition celebrates youth on the autism spectrum

As a child, Miller had trouble communicating and used drawing as a way to express his wants and needs. That’s why he chose art as the foundation for his organization. 

“Art is the universal language,” says Miller. “A lot of kids in our organization are struggling with communication. So allowing us to give them the art supplies and opportunities they need, they can communicate with their folks, communicate with their friends, communicate with the community about who they are as a person.” 

Blue Ribbon Arts Initiative had humble beginnings, often hosting art meet-ups with just two or three other families. But as word grew, so did their presence in the community. They started hosting fundraisers where they sold art created at their meet-ups and exhibiting in small galleries around Denver.

The Denver Art Museum took notice of the growing organization, and invited Miller and his Rebecca to help support their program. They met with a group of individuals with a variety of disabilities and together they created Sensory-Friendly Mornings at the museum. Once a month, the museum opens early, dims the lights, and provides tools to help kids with neurodiversity or sensory processing disorders enjoy the museum. 

“Sometimes you go to a very popular place like the Denver Art Museum, it gets a little too loud. It gets crowded and chaotic,” says Miller. “If we open up the gallery sooner, it allows families with kids who may not handle those environments well the opportunity to explore and see what the Denver Art Museum is like.”

Through this connection with the Denver Art Museum, Blue Ribbon Arts Initiative was invited to host their first exhibition there in 2016. 

When the Denver Art Museum’s Martin Building reopened in October 2021 after a lengthy renovation, they invited Blue Ribbon Arts Initiative back as the first exhibitors in the new "Wonderscape" gallery. 

“This is a brand new, wonderful space that was specifically built to showcase kids’ art,” says Lindsay Genshaft, the manager of family programs at Denver Art Museum. “We really pride ourselves on welcoming everyone and we also want to reflect our community. People who are on the autism spectrum are part of our community, so of course we should include them and have their art up on our walls.”