Irondale's Studio by the Tracks delivers art from the heart

John Miller calls himself "an industrial artist."

The 40-year-old from the Queenstown community near Trussville paints pictures of buildings. He has a part-time job, has many hobbies and loves to travel, but I would say art is his passion. When he is not working, he can be found sitting at a table creating his latest drawing.

Miller, who is autistic, is proud of his artistic achievements, and rightly so. He discovered his artistic talent at Studio By The Tracks in Irondale.

The studio was started 20 years ago by artist and gallery owner Marilyn Wilson and educator Ila Faye Miller (no relation to John Miller). They wanted to create an art studio that would attend to the needs of a special population.

Studio By The Tracks opened its doors in 1989. Its mission was to provide free art classes to troubled children and adults with autism, Asperger's syndrome or mental illness. Since it's inception, more than 2,000 children and adults have benefited from its programs.

Ila Faye Miller describes the studio as "a place where people who have been handicapped by negative circumstances and society's assumptions about their ability to succeed can create their art in a safe and nurturing place."

I recently visited the studio during an adult class that included John Miller. The art created by these individuals is truly incredible. They view the world through their unique perspectives. Their art is as individual as they are. They came into their class that day enthusiastic, happy and eager to work.

The teachers at the studio also are unique individuals who offer these artists not only artistic support but their heartfelt love and appreciation. I was told that several homeless men are brought by a homeless shelter van to class each Wednesday. This class is something to which the men apparently look forward all week.

In addition to the adult classes, about 30 boys ages 6-18 from the Glenwood autism and behavioral center in Birmingham come to Studio By The Tracks each week to make their art. The goal of the staff is for these artists to leave the studio each week feeling good about themselves and their abilities.

Reduced, Reused and Recycled is the theme for the next show at the studio, which opens April 16.

To volunteer at the studio or for more information: www.studiobythetracks.org or call 951-3317. *** "Art condenses the experience we all have as human beings, and, by forming it, makes it significant." - Trevor Bell -- To help tell about the good things going on in the Birmingham-Hoover metro area, please become a member of the Making a Difference team by sending tips to: goodnewsmelissa@gmail.com