What do the words “atmospheric perspective” mean to you?

According to www.dictionary.com the definition is “a technique of rendering depth or distance in painting by modifying the tone or hue and distinctness of objects perceived as receding from the picture plane, especially by reducing distinctive local colors and contrasts of light and dark to a uniform light bluish-gray color.” My definition would be a lot less technical and artistic, something like a personal view of how one sees something in the environment. Two people can be looking at the exact same picture, but because of their individual lens, they may see completely different things.

Regardless of your definition, you now have an opportunity to learn from an artist how to create your own atmospheric masterpiece. Local art teacher and musician, Jesse Smith, will be sharing his gifts with those who register for the second annual Art for Autism event on Friday, April 1 at the Hormel Historic Home. From 6-7 p.m. he will play guitar and sing while guests socialize with food and drink. At 7 p.m. he will offer step by step instruction on using watercolors to bring your own atmospheric perspective to life.

This is the first of several events the Hormel Historic Home is hosting during April which is Autism Awareness month. Proceeds from this event will allow us to continue offering summer camps and monthly respite events for young people on the Autism Spectrum.

The Autism initiative at the HHH helps to fulfill our mission of providing educational opportunities to all ages. George Hormel learned the benefit of getting an education from his father. George recounted one of the last conversations he had with his father in the manuscript Three Men and a Business. John (George’s father) said “You and I started life as common laborers with no chance to engage in the professions, no chance to do what we might have done. But now the monopoly in education is broken. Perhaps in the next few years any poor man’s son will have a chance to develop his talents as far as he cares to.”

The Autism programming at the HHH is helping children who learn differently and perceive things in a distinctive way to benefit from an educational environment developed just for them. Their atmospheric perspective is unique, but ASD services help them develop their talents and perform better in school and in their communities.

Other events to bring awareness to Autism Spectrum Disorder include an Autism Awareness seminar on April 5 (register at Austin Community Education), Pizza Ranch Tip night on April 6, PACER presentation on developing an appropriate IEP on April 12, Stepping Out for Autism Walk on April 23, and a Theory of Mind production on April 26. For more info on these events contact the HHH at 507-433-4243 or at www.hormelhistorichome.org.

 Art (and Music) for Autism

6-8:30 p.m., Friday, April 1

Local musician and artist, Jesse Smith, will entertain with guitar music before leading participants in the creation of an Atmospheric Perspective in watercolor. Snacks will be provided and a cash bar will be available. All proceeds benefit the HHH summer programming for youth on the Autism Spectrum.

Cost is $25 and registration is required at the Hormel Historic Home. Call 507-433-4243 or register at www.hormelhistorichome.org

 Hearth & Home Series

10 a.m. Tuesday, April 5, free

Benefits of Music Therapy, presented by Jane Laine, Music Therapy Manager at MacPhail Center for Music. Learn about this established health profession that builds on the power of music for all ages and abilities.