Justin featured in prominent blog!

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Justin recently spoke at the Montclair Art Museum at an Arts and Wellness conference. Please read what attendee, Dar Hosta, an artist and art therapist, posted on her blog about Justin. It is beyond awesome!
http://darhosta.wordpress.com/2013/03/04/monday-28-the-real-deal/

Special Exhibit of Justin’s Art at the New York Port Authority during Autism Awareness Month

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Courtesy of the McCarton Foundation there is fabulous display of Justin’s artwork at the Port Authority including 2 huge blown up prints of his awe inspiring composition book, never exhibited before!

http://mccartonfoundation.org/in-my-language/
Enter through the 8th Ave entrance, between 40th + 41st St , walk down the hall, up a few steps past the restrooms and the bookstore on your left. Just past the escalator you will see the exhibit “In My Voice, Art and Communication” .

 

Adorable 2013 Children’s Wall Calendar Fundraiser for the Montclair Developmental Learning Center

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The Montclair, NJ Developmental Learning Center, the Special Education Public School Program for children ages 3 through 5 years old is promoting an ADORABLE 2013 Children’s Wall Calendar – illustrated by nationally recognized Autistic Artist and Montclair Public School Alumni, Justin Canha. You can read about the DLC at http://www.montclair.k12.nj.us/WebPage.aspx?Id=552.
 

The DLC is an amazing program with incredibly hard working students, and dedicated, caring teachers and therapists.  The money raised will go towards:

1) the most current specialized training seminars for DLC parents and staff
2) effective and fun programming for DLC students
3) the best equipment and educational tools for both DLC therapists and special education teachers to use in their classrooms
4) helping incredibly talented, Montclair based, Autistic Illustrator, Justin Canha, reach his goal of living and supporting himself independently
The cost is $20 per calendar for local pick up/drop off in Montclair, NJ, and $23 per calendar for mail delivery ($3 shipping charge per calendar). It makes a fabulous holiday, birthday or any time gift for children or families!!
Please contact me at  to order a calendar(s).

Justin updates

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Since the release of the New York Times article Justin has set out exploring some exciting new opportunities. While he continues to work at Gencarelli’s Bakery and at the local library he has also begun partnering with Dani Bowman, a 17 year old with autism who has her own animation studio. Working with Dani is helping Justin to develop his talents while at the same time giving Dani the leadership and management experience that she will need to manage her own business. Though Justin lives in Montclair, NJ and Dani lives in Los Angeles, they are learning to collaborate using video conferencing interspersed with face to face visits.

Justin also recently completed a course in storyboarding at the School of Visual Arts in New York City under the guidance of Irra Verbitsky. He is looking for a mentor to help develop his talents and integrate him into the professional animation community.

Illustrations added

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Since the publication of the New York Times article we have been asked many times if Justin has considered illustrating books. In fact, he has illustrated a few, all in watercolor. We have decided to share some scans from these books in the new illustrations section of the site. Enjoy!

New documentary about Justin in development

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Filmmaker Ben Stamper, director of Sidecars, has begun work on a new documentary about Justin and his art. Stamper tentatively calls the project “Don’t Be Interested” and recently released a trailer you can watch below. To learn more or support this undertaking, visit this page.