Aby stands in front of some street art during a photo safari around St. Petersburg

At Creative Clay my talent is doing art, clay and music. I want to continue more to it because it makes me happy. Emily (Director of Community Arts) and Creative Clay makes it so wonderful for us. I get to meet new friends and new teachers. For me, I came here, I started on a Monday with Emily because she gave me a tour of the studios. She gave me good details and I feel great to see her. We have known her from a long time ago. Emily is great to see her again because it made me more comfortable.

I feel so good that I make others smile. My teachers, oh my gosh, I love being with them. It is inspiring to be here to meet people around me with disabilities. I am excited to see the stuff that they made and it was so great in my heart. It feels so wonderful to have people around here helping each other. Community is like helping each other; making more bonds with other people.

Aby works on a portrait of a dignitary on an advocacy trip to Tallahassee

I was adopted and my mom knows about my talent. Mom’s favorite was doing clay and it makes her feel so good. My mom found out about me liking art so she helped me. My mom helps with art. Once, we painted rocks together and it was so much fun. We do so much stuff. My mom always makes me happy to have her with me. I feel blessed.

Making art is a perfect fit for me to do because I continue to do art and music. Art: I can do it with both of my hands. I can do so much. I can hold my grip, hold it still and do a design making a beautiful art piece. It is so fun to do. Music is my talent. I use my singing and dancing as my talent. I have done it for a long time. I see myself doing music at home and dance a lot around my house.

Aby Performs one of her favorite songs, accompanied by friend Cutter, during Creative Clay's first Friday Art Market

I sold one piece of art to a lady inspired by Vincent Van Gogh Starry Night. I love doing that. He made the best art and I saw it on a trip. It felt good to see Starry Night and he made all those beautiful art. He inspired me because he is really good at it. Its inspiring because it encourages me to see his details.

The art market I have so much fun doing the karaoke, food truck and being with my teachers. This is my favorite part. Ashby (A friendship name with my teacher) is always happy to do duets together. Her smile is so good. Roses are red and violets are blue, she is great and helpful to me to sing duets together. “Don’t go breaking your heart” duet was so beautiful. People help to sing with me in duets and its special to me. I feel connected and it makes me stronger. I feel confident in my talents and friendship.

Click here to watch Aby talk about her Gold Painting

I learn so much about music because of Ashton, Stephanie and Ryan (Teaching Artists). They help me out with my voices, warming up, stretching. It is nice to have vocal singing. It is phenomenal for us from our heart. I realize that they help me with music to write my own music. I use my experiences and history to make lyrics. It is inspiring for me.

This is my favorite part. I am so grateful to be here with people. It is so inspiring to be here to make pieces of art. I am so joyful and grateful to help and bond with people. It makes us connected and strong. Friends, family, and teachers help. We are family here at Creative Clay.

Let Aby Tell You About Her Talents