Nice to meet you!! My name is Crystal, and I love the power of Art. Let me tell you why.

After my son was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 2, back in 2009, my life was forever changed. With only a few words in his vocabulary, he would become easily frustrated as he tried to tell me his wants and needs. I decided to commit 100% of my time at home helping to give him the tools he needed to succeed. We changed the way we went about our day, and quickly learned what it meant to be an Autism Family: Working with ABA, OT, and Speech Therapists; learning sign language; routines & redirecting; utilizing PECS; incentive charts & stickers ... still feeling like there was something missing.

I then had the idea to turn to ART.

I bought him an art journal, and watched as he focused on his scribbles, shapes & colors. I would talk to him about them, explaining emotions and feelings. It became a part of our daily routine, and I started to see that he was gaining confidence with this extra outlet. Eventually, he couldn't wait to explain what he drew. He gained a full vocabulary, and continued to use art as an outlet. He had so much to say, and had a fun new way to express it. I would sit and paint next to him as my own hobby. Painting always has allowed me to express myself in a way that words never could, and now we had that in common.

Present day: Adam is thriving, and loves talking about anything and everything. He still uses art as an extra form of expression, and that will never change.

I knew that I wanted to extend my love for art to the community. Introducing PRETTY PAINTS Mobile Art Studio! We provide fun in person classes, as well as teaching virtually and on Zoom all around the world! We donate to Autism. We now FULLY FUND the new Autism & The Arts Initiative, and donate to local non-profits around Southern California. This is an Initiative that we created with Our Nicholas Foundation which provides free art classes, camps and other courses for local children with ASD! This initiative gives other children on the spectrum a creative outlet. It provides ALL children the opportunity to express their feelings.

Our classes provide an environment for people to let loose, and recharge. It gives our community an opportunity to raise money and help an amazing cause, and having fun while doing it! It gives you a feeling that you never knew you were missing. I am so honored to have the love and support that has been flooding in. Let's raise money for the Initiative, and watch more children on the spectrum blossom through the power of ART!

I can’t wait to create with EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU!

-Crystal Schenck

Owner & Artist, Pretty Paints