Image Description: This painting features a vibrant, diagonal rainbow background. Scattered across the rainbow are several golden infinity symbols, a white skull with a pink bow, a penguin, and a figure with blue hair. Other icons include headphones with musical notes, a medicine bottle with pills, a syringe, and a black pendant.
Mateo’s art represents the good and safe things that help them feel better, less alone in the world. For example, the monster high character they painted is their favorite representation of autism.
Image Description: The pencil sketch depicts a bloodied hand holding a mirror shard reflecting the skull of the beholder. In my mind, this is what depression looks like. It is something that on the outside you only look hurt – maybe a little bloodied. However, when you look upon yourself, you feel nothing, a void that feels so close to death. My sketch depicts the morbidness and the pain that clinical depression can cause in a person and that it can be anyone.
Just see me
Just See Me By Ellie Satre
Sometimes I wish I could just die.
It seems so easy…
…the flick of a switch… …the push of a button…
If only it were as easy as closing your eyes
wishing it to be.
I don’t really understand it— practically never, if I’m being truthful.
The voices. So many voices, myself but not at all.
The weight, a monster
pulling
down
my spirit.
Not a comforting weight like a dog on your lap,
but a deadly weight
that drags,
slowing you down,
whispering
you’re not good enough,
you’d be better off dead.
SHUT UP!
That’s what I tell it, but it doesn’t listen.
“You’re fine. Just sleep it off.”
That’s what others say, but they don’t understand.
“I’ve been sad before. What’s the difference?”
I try to explain: I can’t catch my breath,
all these worries
(Image description: The outline of the vessel is formed by the phrase “Filling my body to the brim” curving along the bottom and sides. The “steam” rising from the top and the entire center of the cup are filled with the word “Worries” repeated many times in various fonts, sizes, and orientations, creating a cluttered and overwhelming visual effect.)
“If this is how you feel I don’t know how to help you. Just suck it up, ig.”
Little do you know you make the tears heavier and the weight more painful.
I can’t stop it, but you keep making it worse.
If I don’t know how to explain it, just be there for me. Don’t belittle me. Don’t think of me as less.
“Oh pobrecito.”
I don’t need your pity. I have monsters, just like you— they just speak louder and weigh more.
My feelings are real. You might not see it on the outside. I might hide it with a mask,
but it’s cracking more and more every day.
It’s not always bad, but it’s still real.
Just see me for who I am. I beg of you.
About the Author
Image Description: A young woman with short, dark hair and a slight smile poses outdoors. She is wearing a light blue ribbed tank top with thin black straps, a black choker necklace with a silver snake pendant, and a smartwatch. The background shows a shallow, rippling body of water with a sandy bottom.
Artist Bio: My name is Ellie Satre. I’m currently an 18 year old freshman at Indiana University Indianapolis. I’m currently studying Biology and Forensic Science so that I may go to Med School to become a forensic pathologist. While I don’t have a physical disability, I have struggled with anxiety and depression for years. I have struggled with suicidal ideologies and I used to put up with those that wouldn’t help, listen, or understand. Now, I choose to surround myself with those that are willing to listen and those who are willing to understand and help. I believe that everyone deserves respect and for their voices to be heard. Mental disabilities can be greatly overlooked and put off as something that doesn’t matter as much because it’s “all in the head.” The only thing that does it make the voices louder. Everyone deserves a voice. Everyone deserves care. With my whole heart, I believe this.
Artist Statement: “These are my friends, family and teachers. These are important people in my life because they help me learn and grow. I want everyone to see how special they are.
ArtMix is where I do Community Class and art with my friends. People like Emily, Brittany, and Molly help me make art projects and work on my art skills. WALLS lets me go into the community and go places like the movies or the park. They support me by being there when I try new things in the community. Transportation always gets me where I need to be and gets me there safely. In Special Olympics my coaches help me focus and get better at my sports, my teammates help me compete and do my best to reach my goals. My family supports me to be active and healthy and to learn things. We have our different opinions but we all love each other. “
About the Author
Image Description: A headshot of a smiling young man with short dark hair and a light goatee. He is wearing a white button-down shirt, a grey sweater vest, and a bright red bow tie. He is positioned against a dark, textured brown background that resembles a wooden slat blind.
Artist Bio: Isaiah is a 28‑year‑old twin whose creativity, energy, and love for community shine in everything he does. A dedicated participant of ArtMix for more than a decade, he expresses himself through art and enjoys sharing his talents with others. Isaiah is an active athlete with Boone County Special Olympics, competing in softball, basketball, corn hole, bowling, and track. He also loves connecting with friends at ILADD game nights and being involved in his community.
Family is at the heart of who Isaiah is. He is a proud son, brother, and nephew, but his favorite role is being an uncle to his 7‑year‑old niece. The two of them bond over Super Mario Brothers and making art together. Isaiah’s joyful spirit, kindness, and love for spending time with family and friends make him a cherished part of every community he joins.
Image Description: A artwork with 4 drawings. A black outline of a fish, a pink and purple object with pride written in it, a black outline of an eye with pride written under it, and a cluster of pink and purple dots. it is signed JM
Artist Bio: Jae Jae is a bisexual artist who explores identity, visibility, and self-acceptance through bold, symbolic linework.
In a conversation with Jae Jae, they shared that being accepted for their disability and sexuality through community was the most empowering.
