An attendee and Teaching Artist collaborate at the piano at the Art of We event.

 Photo crecit: Jason W. Bucklin Photography.

Recently we were honored to receive an audio message from Brynn Sexton, a longtime Participant and Self-Advocate who has taken our Self-Advocacy classes several times. She shared a little about why she takes classes, what she loves, the importance of taking turns, and enthusiastic thanks to the Teaching Artists with whom she collaborates.

It was wonderful to receive this unsolicited testimonial, both for the warm words that Brynn shared and for the testament to self-expression and self-advocacy that she made by the very act of offering her thoughts.

Brynn gave us permission to share her words with our wider community. Hear the full recording below, or scroll down to read a few excerpts.

Detail of yellow and pink painting

I chose to do Upstream Arts because I love going to their classes because they are fun. And it is about acting, poetry, scenarios, and fun games, and paint, and music, feelings, and dance, and movements, conversation activities. I can do it online or in person.

We also have Upstream Arts guidelines of support: Being respectful to others, and Risk, Try something new, and Choice.

I want to say a big thank you to all the Teaching Artists and staff, because they they show me support, risk, and love to Upstream Arts. They show the way I participate in Upstream Arts classes. They include me in their activities and show their passion through Upstream Arts. They care as well, and they are helpful as well, and they’re kind and nice, and they’re really excited to see me participate in Upstream Arts.

Upstream Arts is welcome to everyone that’s new to Upstream Arts, and we include them too, and all disabilities are welcome to Upstream Arts. Upstream Arts is also a way to self-advocate and speaking up for ourselves and other people as well. And I would like to participate more in Upstream Arts classes.

A favorite Upstream Arts activity is Paint the Music, and elastic stretching, and acting in a scenario, introducing myself, and Multiple Conversations and Paint the Movement. These are a few activities I do in Upstream Arts classes. Thank you for your support.

Brynn Sexton

Detail of yellow and pink painting