The fourth annual Autism Awareness Art Auction is set for Tuesday in the large group instruction room at Floyd C. Fretz Middle School, with doors opening at 5 p.m. and a silent auction 6 to 7 p.m.

Up for bid will be between 150 and 200 pieces of original artwork, all created by Bradford area students between kindergarten and 12th grade.

“I’m just amazed,” said Amanda Tanner, autistic learning support teacher. “I’m amazed how much pride they take in their work, how hard they’re working and what this means for them. I’m very proud.”

The event is held in conjunction with autism awareness month. Also, it means the students can take part in raising funding for an organization that they are familiar with because it helps children — CARE for Children.

“This year we are hoping to cross the $10,000 mark to be donated to CARE for Children,” said Stephanie Keyes, autism learning support staffer.

To make the event even more elegant, live classical piano music will be played by music teacher Andy Dutko. High school students will take part by making homemade refreshments, such as cookies, as well.

Keyes explained that when the auction was first organized in 2014, it was just students with autism who participated, but it has grown to include any who get special education services. The number of schools participating has grown, too, with the Custer City School operated by Beacon Light participating for the first year.

They join young artists at George G. Blaisdell Elementary School, School Street Elementary School, Fretz, Bradford Area High School and Intermediate Unit 9.

“I’m excited to raise money for CARE for Children — They do so much for the kids in the classroom,” said Tanner, adding, “I’m excited to raise autism awareness in the community.”

The educators said the teachers are excited to be taking part in the event again. Keyes noted that the students who have participated in the past remember and ask about it.

“They look forward to the auction every year,”  she said.

On Wednesday afternoon, School Street students could be seen in Rebecca Hunter’s art room painting.

“I think it’s exciting for the kids to have an opportunity to work as a group towards something that is bigger than than themselves,” said Hunter, adding the project gives them a chance to express themselves as well.

“Their personality shines through in the artwork they are making,” she said, noting that each of the School Street artists was allowed to pick any subject they wanted to paint.

Some of the young artists shared their creations-in-progress with The Era.

School Street Elementary’s Jillian Fox, a fan of Supergirl, chose to fill a canvas with a Supergirl logo and puzzle pieces. Therapeutic support staff member Stacy Gould was helping Jillian.

Puzzle pieces are a common symbol for autism spectrum disorder.

On Wednesday, several students were painting puzzle pieces to add to their canvases.

Similarly, Brett Geist, 9½, was painting a heart-shaped puzzle. He chose a heart shape “because I was thinking of a heart,” he said. “I decided to paint really good.”

Some of the paintings told stories.

Angel Dominguez, who will turn 10 on the day of the auction, said his painting was of an island, a scuba diver, a submarine and a shark that is in the scuba diver’s way.

“He can’t get back to the submarine. He can’t see it because of the dark part of the ocean,” Angel explained, adding, “Sharks are easy for me to draw.”

Sitting next to Angel was Jaden Green, 11.

“I’m painting a picture of me and my girlfriend giving toys to kids without toys,” said Jaden, adding that it is raining in the picture, and they have to hand out the toys before they get ruined in the rain.

Jaden explained, “I got the idea because I have a girlfriend, because if you have a girlfriend, why not paint a picture of that?”

According to Keyes, “It’s amazing to watch. They all have a vision in their head. It’s amazing to watch that vision come to life.” She explained that some of the students “can’t find the words to express what is going on in their brains. With this, there are no words — they can just do it.”

She is hopeful the Bradford community come out for the auction to see the artistic talents of her students and support the project.

She appreciates support the auction receives from local businesses and the school district family, but she is eager to see more individuals from the area come take an interest in the creative endeavors of the young painters.

Tanner added, “It’s your local students’ art, and it’s going to an organization that helps our students with special needs in many ways. It’s their way of giving back to that organization.”