Empowering Young Artists: RAYA Art and Education Leads the Charge for Autism Inclusion

Santa Ana, Calif. — On March 30, the halls of the Bowers Museum radiated with light—not just from the spring sun pouring through its windows, but from the energy, creativity, and compassion of a community united in support of autism awareness.

In celebration of the 18th World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, 2025, the Franklin Foundation, in collaboration with RAYA Art & Education, hosted the 6th World Autism Youth Art Exhibition. This year’s event was more than just a local gathering, it was a global movement, bridging coasts and continents with simultaneous exhibitions in Los Angeles and Boston and featuring participating artists from Taiwan.

The exhibition showcased a stunning array of artwork created by neurodiverse youth, affirming that creativity knows no bounds.

The opening performance, We Are Drummers, struck a particularly powerful chord with the audience. Fourteen young artists from the RAYA Inclusive Art and Education Class joined forces with Isabella, a standout talent from the 9 Beats Drummer Academy, for a performance that was as joyful as it was moving. Dressed in coordinated outfits, the young drummers delivered a rhythmic celebration of unity and self-expression, an effort made possible by the guidance of dedicated music teachers and volunteers.

Jane, President of the Franklin Foundation, emphasized the significance of raising awareness:

“Autism is gaining increasing attention from society. Many individuals with autism struggle to find employment or establish their own families as they transition into adulthood. The Franklin Foundation is committed to educating the public about autism, fostering understanding and inclusivity, and creating a supportive environment for them to thrive. This exhibition is a platform to showcase their talents and prove to the world that individuals with autism are not a burden to society but valuable members who contribute in meaningful ways.”

Indeed, diversity is what makes our world beautiful. children with autism possess unique artistic talents and work hard to be seen and appreciated. With community support, individuals with special needs can contribute back to society and become an inspiring part of the world’s vibrant landscape.

Joanne, the founder of RAYA ART & Education and host of the opening ceremony, is not only an advocate but also a mother of a child with autism. Her deep personal experience has shaped her dedication to supporting families affected by autism. She founded RAYA ART & Education because she understands that art is one of the most effective ways for autistic children to express themselves and develop social skills, making it an essential tool for integration into the community.

Another highlight of the day was the heartfelt art auction, where selected pieces created by children with autism were auctioned to an enthusiastic crowd. Led by auctioneers Xichun Zhang and Justin Tsuei, the auction was not only a fundraiser but also a deeply emotional tribute to the talents of the young artists.“This wasn’t just about raising funds; it was about giving these young artists a platform and showing them that their creativity has real value,” said auctioneer Justin Tsuei. “Every painting has a story, and today, those stories were heard loud and clear.”

 

To honor RAYA ART & Education’s contributions,  President Jessica Guoyun Liu of the CUAAASC presented a Certificate of Recognition from U.S. Congresswoman Judy Chu. This award acknowledged RAYA ART & Education’s outstanding efforts in providing artistic opportunities for autistic children and youth to express themselves.Coco Liu, Director of Operations at RAYA ART & Education, expressed gratitude upon receiving the recognition:

“Our mission has always been to give children and young people with autism a voice through art and music. With the dedication of our teachers, staff, and parents, we have built a stage where these talented individuals can share their creativity and passion with the community.”

Throughout the morning , the spirit of collaboration and continued advocacy shone brightly. Irvine Vice Mayor James Mai and Councilmember Melinda Liu attended the event and personally thanked RAYA Art and Education and the 9 Beats Drummer Academy for their powerful contributions. They invited RAYA founder Joanne Chen and Director Coco Liu to partner with the City of Irvine in future activities for autism awareness, furthering the mission of inclusion and empowerment. A commemorative photo captured this meaningful moment, symbolizing unity and a shared commitment to building a more inclusive future.

The World Autism Youth Art Exhibition has become a powerful platform for advocacy, inclusion, and celebration. Through the universal language of art, it sends a clear message: every child deserves to shine, and when given the chance, they light up the world.