Aaliyah (child), Miriam Gonzalez and Consul of Mexico. | Photo by Daisy Garcia Montoya

Daisy Garcia Montoya

Education Reporter

Local organization Azul Esperanza is bringing awareness to World Autism Month by hosting its “Art Without Borders” workshop and art gallery for kids who are neurodivergent — in collaboration with the Mexican Consulate of Kansas City. 

Neurodivergent is used to refer to an individual who is on the autism spectrum and more specifically, someone whose brain processes information differently. 

Miriam Gonzalez, founder of Azul Esperanza, said that the creation of inclusive events for children is fundamental because it provides them with a space where they can express themself freely and develop their potential. 

“Such an environment not only empowers children, but it also strengthens our families and our entire community, demonstrating that inclusivity should be present in all places; schools, public spaces and daily life,” Gonzalez said. 

For the “Art Without Borders” gallery, Azul Esperanza showcased the artwork created previously by the children during the “Art Without Borders” art workshop, which took place earlier in the month. 

The workshop, which was also in collaboration with the Mexican Consulate of Kansas City (1617 Baltimore Ave.), took place on Saturday, April 5 at Scuola Nuova Charter School (535 Garfield Ave.) and was catered for neurodivergent children ages eight to 13. 

The free workshop featured three different stations, where children could create and explore different textures, materials and art methods. Translators were also present at the event for families who needed bilingual services.

Luz M. Duran — a community member and teacher for divergent children — said that having organizations like Azul Esperanza is helping other families to get involved and detect autism early on. 

“Sometimes as Latinos, we don’t see or want to see that kids may be acting or seeing things differently. It’s not that they’re different but they just process the world in a different manner,” Duran said. “These activities help create new spaces that are sensitive to their sensory overload, where it does not limit their creativity, where screams are normal and they can see the world through their eyes. It helps bring the community together and forge new friendships.” 

That artwork was brought on display for the community during the “Art Without Borders” gallery that took place from 6 to 8 p.m., on April 25 at Revolucion Educativa, 2203 Lexington Ave.

Members of the community walked through the gallery as they enjoyed music from DJ Jarochito, food and snacks, as well as complimentary face painting services for children available. 

The art featured brief backgrounds and explanations from the child artists and their pieces of art. The pieces ranged from acrylic paintings to others that held 3D textures. 

Yuridia Saenzpardo, mother of Aaliyah, said that having these events has helped her learn more about neurodivergent children and ways in which to best support her daughter. 

“The hope is that the community will take the time to understand so that they can support the children and not disregard them or think that the children are a problem, but rather being patient,” Saezpardo said. “I want her to continue to explore what she wants to be when she’s older but she needs help and that’s something that I want to provide for her and support her.” 

Gonzalez said that she thanks the community and the Consulate of Mexico in Kansas City for making her feel supported in this cause and everyone who has contributed to ensuring that more events and exposure is being done for Autism. 

“For everyone, art is a powerful tool of expression that allows children and adults to communicate their emotions and thoughts in a unique way. Azul Esperanza believes in the power of art as a bridge to strengthen self-esteem in an inclusive manner”, Gonzalez said.  “We invite the community to be part of this effort, creating and supporting spaces where children, independent from their abilities, are seen, heard and valued and where diversity is celebrated as an asset that unites us.”

For more information on future events and how to get involved with the organization, visit Azul Esperanza on Facebook.