Through the Special Olympics Wisconsin Strong Minds program, screenings found that a large percentage of individuals with intellectual disabilities face significant stress on a daily basis, but have access to only a few positive and active coping strategies. The program focuses on interactive learning activities concentrated on developing adaptive coping skills. One Special Olympics Wisconsin athlete has turned to art to help her emotional wellness.
Katie is a 25-year-old artist and Special Olympics Wisconsin athlete from Marinette, Wisconsin. From a young age, Katie has used art as a form of expression and to cope with feeling different.
“I started art at seven and a half, beginning with photography,” Katie says. “My dad would take me to ‘The Barn,’ an auto body shop where he and his friends hung out, and I was the only girl allowed. The guys had antique cars and went to car shows, but didn’t want to hire a professional photographer. They paid me a dollar per car to take pictures of their vehicles for the shows.”
These opportunities sparked her passion for photography, and by twelve, Katie was photographing about 50 cars a month. Her love for capturing the perfect shot led her to explore mixed media and other art forms. She quickly learned that art allows for different interpretations—what one person sees in a piece may be completely different from another’s view.
Over time, her art became not only a source of joy but also a therapeutic outlet, helping her navigate life’s challenges and to connect with others. Katie believes art uniquely communicates feelings and thoughts that words often can’t express.
“Everyone sees something different in art,” she says. “It’s a way to connect with others, to share pieces of yourself.” This became especially significant after her father’s passing, as art offered a way to cope when she couldn’t find the right words. “Art was my outlet,” Katie shares, “especially when I couldn’t explain what I was going through.”
Katie continues to use art as therapy to manage the challenges of autism, selective mutism, and global learning disabilities. Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder where someone is unable to speak in certain situations despite being able to understand what’s being said.
For Katie, art is a form of communication beyond traditional language.
“Art is my way of speaking,” Katie says. “When I can’t say what I need to say, I create. It’s how I connect with the world.”
Katie faces other challenges as well.
“I have global learning disabilities. I can’t write. I can write very few words and have to use adaptive technology or I can write one word at a time by copying a paper. So I can’t format words. I cannot write ‘a butterfly flutters through a field’ so I draw it instead.”
In addition to her art, Katie is also a committed athlete in Special Olympics Wisconsin, a community she joined at age ten and has participated in swimming, gymnastics, bowling, bocce, and track and field.
Through Special Olympics Wisconsin, Katie found a supportive family that has been there for her, especially after the loss of her father. “The people in Special Olympics are like family,” she says. “They’ve been there for me through so much, and I know I can always count on them.”
Katie also volunteers her time at the Marinette Rec Center and Peshtigo (WI) School District, where she works with children on art projects. Known for her ability to connect with kids, Katie not only helps guide their artistic endeavors but also listens when they need support. She describes herself as someone who is always there for others, especially when they need a little extra care.
Katie has a relative with a small hobby farm where she helps out by doing simple chores — but also even more complicated and difficult jobs like installing and repairing electric fence.
“Just because you can’t read doesn’t mean you’re not smart!” says Katie.
As she grows as both an artist and individual, Katie’s views on art and life help shape her worldview. She speaks poetically about how art and life are intertwined, seeing beauty in even the simplest experiences. For Katie, life is about kindness, compassion, and finding meaning in every moment. Her art reflects these values, as she continues to inspire and connect with others.
Whether through art, her volunteer work, or her involvement in Special Olympics Wisconsin, Katie’s journey shows us all how creativity and community can help cope with life’s challenges.
If you’re interested in learning some coping mechanisms and learning more about stress management, make sure to attend Strong Minds at State Games or reach out to us at [email protected]
NOTE: Katie created the original artwork for our 2024 SOWI Holiday Cards and Holiday social media campaign.
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