Autism awareness month and arts events: This weekend in Pembroke Pines
April brings a focus on awarness and creativity in Pembroke Pines.
As part of national Autism Awareness Month, also called Autism Acceptance Month, the city is set to be recognized as an “Autism Friendly City” by the University of Miami and Nova Southeastern University’s Center for Autism and Related Disabilities on April 15.
At the same time, you can find creative and artistic events tied to inclusion and personal expression this weekend.
Here’s what happening around the city on Saturday, April 11, and Sunday, April 12.
Sensory Saturday
Taking place the second Saturday of each month, the Frank C. Ortis Art Gallery hosts a Sensory Saturday: Calm, Create & Explore event designed for the city’s neurodiverse families.
The April 11 event is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. and will run until 11 a.m. The event is free and open to all ages.
Families can expect soft lightning and sounds, “bean bag chill zones,” and sensory tools to ensure all participants can feel comfortable.
There will be hands-on art stations available to create your own piece.
Artist-led workshop: Edison Peñafiel
Taking place directly after the Sensory Saturday event, South Florida-based artist Edison Peñafiel will lead a workshop at the Frank C. Ortis Art Gallery from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Peñafiel, whose work is currently being showcased at the Gallery for the spring art exhibition, will wrap up on Saturday.
The free workshop is open to all ages and invites participants to reflect on personal or familial stories, much like Peñafiel’s own art.
Peñafiel will guide participants through creating symbolic figures and characters using collage. All materials will be provided.
Those interested are encouraged to snag a ticket on Eventbrite, although it does not guarantee a spot in the workshop. All spots will be filled on a first come, first served basis.
Studio 18 Fun with Fluid Art
Studio 18 artist Joni Esser-Stuart will be teaching participants ages 16 and up about fluid art during the Saturday workshop that runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Then, you’ll have the opportunity to make your own acrylic pour painting.
Participants are advised to bring an apron, as the activity can get messy. The workshop costs $10 and is nonrefundable.
Annual Krista-Marie Touch of Love run
A nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with special needs and autism will host a morning 5K run on Sunday, April 12.
The Ninth Annual Krista-Marie Touch of Love Charity 5K run will take place at C.B. Smith Park and is open to runners and walkers of all paces. The race will start promptly at 7 a.m. and is expected to finish by 9 a.m.
There will also be a simultaneous Kids LOVE dash for children ages 2 to 10, beginning at 8 a.m. and concluding at 8:30 a.m. All registered children will receive a finisher medal.
Registration costs $35 for the 5K and $20 for the Kids Dash.
The first 500 participants to pick up their packets will receive a free T-shirt, and the first 500 finishers will be awarded a race medal. There will also be plaques given to the fastest male and female finishers.
The event will also include a costume contest, food, refreshments and music. Parking will costs $3 per vehicle at the park’s entrance.
For more information, contact Marta Gonzalez at Marta@kmlovefund.org or 954-600-8737.
