Special Olympics offers holiday cards, art by autistic youth





Ventura County Special Olympics (VCSO) will be selling its inaugural edition of holiday cards produced from artwork by Michael Bluechel, an exceptionally talented young man and Special Olympics athlete.


To help introduce the cards, VCSO and the Village Visitor Center and Gallery will host an artist signing from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sat., Oct. 2, in the courtyard at the Ventura Harbor Village, 1559 Spinnaker Drive in Ventura. Michael will sign one card in every pack, and guests can receive an 8-by-10 print of one of his pieces for an additional donation.


Another signing will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sun., Oct. 17, at Borders Bookstore, 241 W. Esplanade Drive in Oxnard.


"Michael is autistic, but that it not important," said his mother. "What is important is that when you meet him, you will be instantly swept into his world of love, acceptance and appreciation for life."


Michael’s passion for art has won him numerous awards, certificates and contests, but his passion for art isn’t for the awards or praise he might receive, according to his mother. It is rather for the joy he reads in faces when they see, through his eyes, the wonder of the simple things taken for granted.


"I don’t impress easily," said Peggi Preston, VCSO area director, "but Michael’s art left me speechless. We are so fortunate that Michael and his mom are working with us on this project."


All Special Olympics athletes have some degree of mental retardation and many have physical challenges as well. It’s the only outlet where both athletes and their families can interact with others who share similar life experiences.


VCSO offers year-round sports training and competition to more than 800 mentally retarded children and adults who are at least 8 years of age. The service is free of charge at 46 training sites throughout Ventura County. VCSO receives no federal funding. The grassroots organization’s funding comes from and remains in Ventura County.


The organization is offering six different holiday card designs with insides blank. They’ll sell for $15 for a package of 10 cards, and all proceeds will benefit Ventura County Special Olympics.


The cards may be purchased through the VCSO office in Ste. 208, 1559 Spinnaker Drive in Ventura or on its website at www.vcso.org, and VCSO invites local gift shops to carry the cards.


For further information about the Ventura County Special Olympics, please call Preston at (805) 650-7717 or send an email to ventura@sosc.org.



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