Brilliant Connections
A collaboration with Milwaukee’s St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care, Islands of Brilliance, and Mount Mary University Occupational Therapy program.
For five weeks, IOB students and staff worked alongside St. Ann’s participants to create an original piece of art based on a scene – imagined or real. Using an Apple iPad and Procreate, teams learned the technology while sharing life stories and experiences. The program culminated in a multisensory gallery exhibition to celebrate the partnerships that were formed.
Listen to the 620WTMJ Wisconsin Afternoon News Podcast: Offering Social Opportunities for Neurodiverse Students w/ Islands of Brilliance Creator Kate Siekman & Student Sylvia Staus
Hear what IOB student Sylvia and St. Ann’s participant Barry had to share about their experience working together at Brilliant Connections.
Evening Eats
by Barry and Syliva
This piece was inspired by loving picnics and beach days. In this piece, you’re invited to notice trilobites, our state fossil, that lived about 420 million years ago and our picnic with melon, Coca Cola, and chocolate cake. The team decided to use color fill for the sand and a cloudy gradient for the sky to give the effect of a sunset. This artwork is special to the team because we love traveling and the beach is our happy place.
A Weekend Away
by Debbie and Natalie
This piece was inspired by a peaceful place away from the noise. In this piece, you are invited to notice the grand beauty of the mountains and the eagle in the tree. The team decided to use the clay brush to give the effect of the roughness in the mountains. This artwork is special to the team because we both wish we were there.
The Hot Mountain
by Armin and Charlie
This piece was inspired by Parícutin, a volcano located in the Mexican state of Michoacán. The team decided to use the “bloom” tool to give the effect of bright glowing light. This artwork is special to the team because Armin has been to Parícutin.
Gohost
by Chelli and Matt
This piece was inspired by a good dream. In this piece, you are invited to notice the textures and the happy ghost boy. The team decided to use feather textures to give the effect of fire and soft hair. This artwork is special to the team because Chelli likes this boy a lot.
Camouflage
by Frank and Shayne
This piece was inspired by early morning deer hunting. In this piece, you are invited to notice the blue jays snitching on the camouflaged deer hunter. The team decided to use a textured brush to give the effect of water flowing in the stream. This artwork is special to the team because Frank is an avid hunter of 50 years.
Trolls
by Adrianna and Adam
This piece was inspired by the movie, Trolls. In this piece, you are invited to notice the beautiful colors. The team decided to use layering on Procreate. This artwork is special to the team because it reminds Adrianna of her mom.
Hiding Pictures
by Margaret and Margaret
This piece was inspired by some of Margaret’s favorite things. In this piece, you are invited to notice a lot of hidden pictures. The team decided to use layers and opacity to give the effect of all the images “floating” in the picture. This artwork is special to the team because we are special, and we had fun getting to know each other. Margaret likes to draw and has a lot of different things she wanted hidden in the work.
Team Elvis
by Laurie, Alex, and Natalie
This piece was inspired by Laurie’s coloring book of Elvis. In this piece, you are invited to notice some smooth soft textures to best fit the scene. The team decided to use different brushes to give the effect of the unique artifacts fitting into the Elvis pattern. This artwork is special to the team because Laurie did a nice tribute to Elvis in this fantasy scene.
I Get Around
by Terry and Sandra
This piece was inspired by walking by the lakefront with my wife and dog. In this piece, you are invited to notice the boat floating on the lake. The team decided to use the zoom tool and texture painting. This artwork is special to the team because of the trees and the flowers.
Are you interested in collaborating with Islands of Brilliance?
We are always looking for ways to connect our students with members of the community. Brilliant Connections is a unique program bringing groups together to change perceptions of ourselves and each other. Please reach out and we’ll be in touch to see how we might work together!
Explore Our Other Programs
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Sandbox Programs
Our most frequent and accessible options, Sandbox Programs provide a safe, supportive, and collaborative environment for your child to learn, create, and connect.
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Foundation Programs
Students are paired 1:1 with a professional design mentor to learn technical software skills using Adobe Photoshop and/or Adobe Illustrator as well as build social and emotional development skills.
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Academy Programs
The most rigorous IOB program, Digital Academy provides apprentice-style instruction in a product-based learning environment.
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Community Programs
Whether you’re a young adult living with autism or is someone who loves and supports them, we know life can be challenging. Our Community Support programs provide professional and peer guidance to help along the journey.