Art and charity join forces to put autism in frame

"We could not afford that much," Li says, until a local design company stepped in and sponsored their venue.

The opening ceremony turned out fine with more than 100 guests showing up, raising more than 5,300 yuan.

The second event, a workshop, was held on Sept 1, encouraging artists to teach kids in the Min Ai center and spend time with them.

"I do not want to just raise money, but I want people to go there and spend time with the kids to understand what autism is and to mentally challenge kids," Li explains.

Li believes that autistic children are not different from others. "They are just normal children, with a special gift," she says.

She says that these children need extra care and guidance.

Her co-workers are attracted by Li's charisma and optimism.

"She is an interesting, charming, fun and benevolent lady," says Wu Zhimin, a Shenzhen artist attending the event.

Lana Koshel, co-founder of ART+, is also an active member of a charity group called Village Progress.

Koshel says: "It's not so often you meet people with the same goals and similar point of view. She has a great personality and unique charisma."

Currently the group's 13 artists only help with the Min Ai center. Some other orphan villages refused their help, saying that ART+ is a new group without a relevant certificate.

The organization is still running on sponsorship, donations and Li's savings. Looking toward the future, Li says that she still has a lot to do.

"We are ready to have other orphan villages participate. Hopefully we will have more stable volunteers, with a clear schedule and steady sponsorship."

Zhu Jing contributed to the story.