Iris Grace Halmshaw

Iris Grace Halmshaw is a renowned watercolor artist and barrier breaker.  As a non-verbal communicator, Iris has shown the world that when children with diverse abilities are given a chance to express themselves creatively, remarkable things can happen.

When Iris was two years old she was diagnosed with autism. At the age of three, Iris’s parents enrolled her in art therapy to help her communicate. Before Iris turned to art she struggled to make eye contact and lived an isolated life from her friends and family. To her parent's surprise, when Iris was given the chance to create art freely, she showed her parents that she not only has a lot to say but is a brilliant artist.

When Iris turned to painting, she showed a completely new side of herself. Iris was a fan of nature, stories, and color, but did not have a way to express it. Iris set up her workshop outside in nature or right next to a window. At such as young age Iris painted with a sense of maturity. Iris did not simply paint the trees and the sun. She painted how the light and colors interact. Her paintings struck the world and she became a global sensation. Some have even described Iris’s paintings as rivaling Monet's.

Besides creating beautiful art for the world to share, art allowed Iris to better connect with her parents. A feat that seemed far out of reach before she started art therapy. As a small child, Iris would walk up to her mother with a paintbrush in hand, queuing that she wanted to paint. Iris’s mother revealed, “She looked at me and wouldn’t push me away.” “It was a way for us to connect.”

Inspired by the ways art has improved Iris’s life and mental health, the Halmshaws created a group called the Little Explorers Club (LEC). The LEC offers opportunities for children (and their families) with autism, ADHD, depression, and anxiety to connect with animals, as well as hands-on opportunities within the arts for kids to explore their passions. Inspired by Iris’s love of nature, most LEC experiences happen outside, from painting to music circles, to connecting with animals. Drawing on the benefits of Iris’s art therapy, the mission is to improve the children’s confidence, communication, and self-esteem.

There are many types of therapies, with art therapy being especially effective for people who don’t communicate in traditional ways. Creating art is a very personal experiential process. Pick up a paintbrush and let your mind wander. Your artwork may not be as famous as Iris’s, but the process of creating something personal will be rewarding.

Iris is now 14, still creating gorgeous works of art and inspiring many. If you are interested in seeing more of Iris’s artwork or purchasing a piece of your own, click here to see her gallery.