art
by Olivia
A Unique Kind of Art
Brian, Laura, Noah, Olivia Graham
28 Special Needs Living • February 2021
By Hope Johnson
Only a few individuals are fortunate enough to realize and have the ability to explore their gifts and talents as young people. One teenager is not only doing what she loves, but she is turning her passion into a profession and overcoming her disability in the process. Olivia Graham is a fun-loving, kind, and enthusiastic 17-year-old who loves creating art with her teacher, Kate Wagner, according to her Facebook page. She started working with Kate about three years ago. Olivia was born with Down syndrome. Art has become an outlet for Olivia and a way to express herself, according to her mother, Laura Graham. Olivia has held local art exhibits and sells her artwork. She also creates note cards from her art. “When I heard about art therapy and talked with Kate Wagner, who has been her art therapist for three years now, I just thought it would be a fun thing for Olivia to try,” said Laura. “It has been a match made in heaven.” She continues, “Kate is able to really bring out Olivia’s creativity, and Olivia enjoys making things of her own. It is empowering for her to see what she has been able to create.” When Olivia started art therapy, Laura would never have imagined that it would eventually become a profitable business for her daughter. “It has been a very positive and confidence-building experience for her,” she said. Olivia’s business, Art by Olivia, has also allowed her to be independent, develop her job skills, and have a sense of purpose. There is opportunity out there for everyone with support and perseverance, her mom says. Olivia and her family have lived in Westfield for 19 years. Their furry family member is a dog named Teddy. Westfield is an area with great schools and opportunities for lots to do as a family. She has gone through Westfield Washington Schools from preschool through high school and is now a junior. She has