By Ania Felder
Special Writer
Aariel Williams of the city of Belleville, who refers to herself as an Autistic Artist, will host her first event for Autism Alliance of Michigan from 8 a.m. to 3:40 p.m. on Friday, March 7, at the Showplace Gallery in Novi.
At the “Navigating Autism Today” conference she plans to present to the alliance the $605 check she earned recently by auctioning off her “Racing for Inclusion” painting at the Belleville Yacht Club.
Williams, 37, will be acting as the conference’s host and selling her artwork as a vendor under her business name “Aariel’s Inclusive Arts.” She received help planning for the event over the past two months from her father Albert Willams and younger brother Semaji Willams.
She has prepared for this event by painting pictures to be sold, making display posters, signing autographs, creating business cards, putting together a self-made video entitled “Journey of My Life with Autism,” and preparing a five-minute speech.
In addition to the speech, Williams will also be explaining her autism strengths, weaknesses, and discussing how it inspires her to advocate for others as well as herself.
Growing up on the autism spectrum, Williams said she struggled with advocating for herself in school, needing the assistance of her parents. As an adult she struggles to advocate for herself in social settings.
“Painting, writing a speech, and spreading the word of inclusion,” she said helps her be able to advocate for herself as an adult.
Williams also took part in the Autism Heron Walk at the Detroit Zoo last September as a vendor selling artwork.
Photo courtesy of Ania Felder
Aariel Williams holds up the $606 check she received for her artwork after an auction at the Belleville Yacht Club. On March 7 she will donate the check to the Autism Alliance of Michigan.