Made in NC: Art for Autism Awareness

“Me, Luke, Self Portrait.” Colored pencils.

Whether it be drawing, painting, sculpting, screen printing or even designing video games, 13-year-old Luke Lee is into it all.

His mother, Krista Caraway, said he’s always harnessed that creative spirit as a way to express himself – even as a young child.

“He’s been drawing before he was talking,” she said. “He didn’t talk until he was four but was drawing smiley faces at two. He was really painting at seven.”

When Luke was a young child, he was diagnosed with moderate autism. He grew up on the coast of North Carolina, where there are few medical centers that help families with autistic children.

Children with autism have trouble in social situations and in finding ways to express their emotions. For Caraway, using social stories as a method of communication with Luke was a success.

“Things we just intuitively do like, ‘Oh I see you, I’m gonna look you in the eye and shake your hand,” is not a typical thought process for people with autism,” Caraway said. “I would write the words and he’d draw the pictures to go with it. It’s like a cartoon in his head.”

Luke and his family moved to Chapel Hill where he feels more supported because of the resources UNC-Chapel Hill provides. He is part of a community that rewards creativity and empowers those with disabilities to be themselves.

It’s been the art community that has helped Luke view art as a legitimate form of expression. While his artistic tendencies were well known at his school, he expanded his creative reach to spread awareness for autism.

It was at a day camp at the Ackland Art Museum where he screenprinted his first shirt, “Godzilla Running.” Luke did everything, from drawing the image to choosing the colors and printing the image.

“When I make art I just feel, I don’t know, I feel like I should just share it with someone. It makes me feel good to share it with someone,” Luke said. “I used to draw a lot of dinosaurs back in the day when I was little. It’s just fascinating. I love Jurassic Park.”

When it was time for the annual Special Olympics of Orange County, Luke, his family and supporters all sported “#teamlukelee” shirts to honor the track-and-field runner and his artistic accomplishments.

“Godzilla Running”: “This is to represent me, #teamlukelee, running with my team, Special Olympics of Orange County and winning all the medals.”

His shirts quickly became the talk of the town. While Luke felt a bit guilty for charging people for his artwork, his mom was always there to remind him that he is worthy and that his art is helping others.

While he currently isn’t selling screen printed shirts like “Godzilla Running,” he’s tie-dyeing shirts while sheltering in place.

“It’s a work in progress,” Luke said. “I’ve made about 25 shirts so far.”

For Luke, it’s more than just drawing and selling art. It’s a part of his personality and a defining part of his character

“I think it’s two parts for him,” Caraway said. “I think it’s definitely an outlet for him, for sure. But I also think that when he was selling them, it was definitely for a purpose. He would donate a part of the profit to the Autism Society.”

For those interested in purchasing one of Luke’s shirts, email Krista Caraway at kristazeltcaraway@gmail.com.

Written by Catherine Morgan, photos courtesy of Krista Caraway

Made in NC: Art for Autism Awareness

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