2018 Keynote
Design Empathy: Turning challenges into artistry.
A.J. Paron-Wildes
LEED AP ID+C, WELL AP, Allied ASID, Associate Member IIDA, Associate Member AIA NATIONAL ARCHITECTURAL AND DESIGN MANAGER, Allsteele For the past 20 years, A.J. Paron-Wildes has been a design consultant for interiors in healthcare and education, specifically dealing with autism. From school settings, therapy environments to her most noted work on the building for the MIND Institute; AJ has used her skills as a designer and blended them with her experience of raising a son with autism. In 2013, Ms. Paron-Wildes completed a triology e-book series on Design for Autism for Wiley publications. She has recently completed her co-chair term on the State Autism Legislative Task Force in Minnesota. She continues to work with a variety of organizations to help individuals on the Autism Spectrum Disorder. |
Devin Wildes
Artist Devin is a 23 year old young man who is an accomplished artist and who struggles with severe autism. His amazing art overshadows his lack of communication skills. There is no medium that he does not enjoy. From sculpture, videography, jewelry making, screen printing, and painting in multiple mediums, Devin has the unique ability to express himself vividly through art. He has won several 1st place awards for the Davinci Fest and his art has premiered in local galleries in Stillwater, MN. Devin’s art was chosen for The Autism 5K in 2014 where his featured art piece was used on Race banners and t-shirts. Devin Wildes has shared his life’s struggles throughout the years with different media outlets. From PBS, The Pioneer Press, The Star Tribune and most recently Architectural Digest, Devin has been a poster boy for children with autism and fighting for his rights. Devin is a current artist at Interact, a center for performing and visual arts in St. Paul, MN. He is a spokesperson for ArtForce’s WINGS program where his work is sold to corporations and healthcare facilities who appreciate artists with healthcare and mental health challenges. Check out the feature on Devin just won a Midwest Region EMMY!!! https://www.tpt.org/post/turning-autism-into-artistry |