by Christy Rodriguez de Conte

The second annual Artcase event shines in Tallahassee April 28-30 during 2023’s National Autism Month. Betty Proctor delights in providing a positive space for artists across the autism spectrum or of varying abilities to showcase and sell their artwork.

Over the years, Betty Proctor has become a strong entrepreneur, community organizer, and creative crafter. Her love of crafting began as many of our passions do: watching our loved ones enjoy the act of art-making. With three older sisters and a brother, Proctor always had no problem finding inspiration.

Fondly recalling the hours watching one of her sisters refurbish their doll house, Proctor’s sister would elegantly paint the walls and cut cardboard to create new furniture and clothing for its residents. Sisterly love fueled a fondness for art and curating as she followed her other artist sister around college and conferences in awe.

During the 2016 holiday season, Proctor found herself unfulfilled by the commercial gifts available. To counter this, she made earrings and bracelets for her sisters and mom. The best gift that year was the discovery of her own artistic flair.

Proctor’s confidence grew as people’s interest peaked, and soon, her work evolved to include using wood, wire, and metal to create original jewelry. “There are so many things you can do with it. You can create so many beautiful things and use different techniques,” says Proctor. “But I do consider it an art form because you are expressing yourself.”

Today Proctor proudly owns Obsessions Gift Shop in Railroad Square Art District. The shop opened in 2017 to give other artists and vendors a space to try their craft. She co-founded the nonprofit Motivating People through Arts and Crafts (MPAC), aiming to enhance connections, entrepreneurship, and employment primarily for persons with autism, neurodiversity challenges and unique abilities through crafting.

It all began with Proctor’s daughter, Nijah, who is on the autism spectrum. Crafting became a way for Nijah to reduce panic attacks and focus her attention. Proctor took note and made changes. Her previous life in social work provided her with tools to help youth in the community. One of the main components Obsessions has is to assist young autistic and neurodivergent artists in gaining confidence in themselves and their work.

Proctor wants parents and families of these children to understand that “it happens at their own pace.” She believes shame does not help and that every child needs to be met where they are and supported. “Not everybody fits into the pegs and blocks (society puts them in),” says Proctor. She encourages families and children on the spectrum to be as they are and find happiness in their craft.

MPAC partnered with larger organizations to offer community art courses featuring mandala making, spin art, acrylic pours, and more. These classes help increase the social connectedness and interaction of people on the autism spectrum.

Proctor has found that by providing artistic opportunities and physical space to create, artists on the spectrum can increase their social awareness and reduce anxiety commonly associated with communication and interpersonal interaction.

She is particularly proud of the Impact Community Arts Class she offers as a certified business technical consultant. She hopes this course will provide students with the self-confidence and leadership skills that will lead to financial stability. It involves creating a business plan they see through to fruition at Railroad Square’s First Friday Arts Showcase.

Proctor finds the healing properties of crafting to be what has truly encouraged students to move beyond their comfort zone both in the classes offered and in selling their work. “The healing part of it is being able to be together and do something that brings you together,” says Proctor. “That particular art they are creating, it brings about mindfulness. You are concentrating on that particular thing… It’s anxiety-reducing, interacting, and helps with their motor skills. There’s a whole lot of things that happen.”

“Giving people opportunities is the key so that they can see what works and what doesn’t work,” Proctor said. Artcase is that opportunity. This year’s event spreads over two and a half days with various events, such as a book reading and a color party.

Artcase 2023 includes a day of vendors and entertainers sure to excite any arts and craft connoisseur. The event culminates in a positive prevention panel between community members, NAACP representatives, law enforcement, and autism advocates to discuss the interaction of law enforcement and persons on the Autism Spectrum and varying abilities.

Like Proctor herself, Artcase relies on the foundation of community to celebrate each individual’s passion and to support all people in the arts.

Read the rest of the article on the Tallahassee Democrat.