Lisa Bunn is a mother of a young autistic, and talented little girl named Elena. When Lisa sought out extra-curricular activity ideas for her little girl, she knew that art was one of her daughter’s passions. So she reached out to her daughter’s CARD Consultant for advice since she has valued and trusted their opinion over the years since her daughter’s diagnosis. When Shyama’s Art Studio was highly recommended as being an autism friendly business, Lisa immediately reached out for a tour.
After a successful tour and interview with Mrs. Shyama, Elena began attending the art studio in December of 2022. Elena has grown to absolutely enjoy going to Mrs. Shyama’s Art Studio. As soon as Elena walks into the art studio, she showers Mrs. Shyama with love and affection. The bond and love they share has caused Elena to blossom into a beautiful artist. Elena has even entered a few art contests since becoming a student and recently won first place for Hillsborough County’s contest to promote bicycle helmet safety. Her most recent venture has her entering the Hillsborough County Library Hispanic Heritage bookmark art contest.
This contest is dear to Elena’s mother due to their Spanish background. Elena’s grandmother, Francisca Cordero and known to Elena as Abuela, was born and raised in Torrejón de Ardoz, Spain, which is just outside of the capital of Madrid. Elena used several self-portraits of herself for inspiration for her contest submission. Specifically, a picture of her when she was two years old in a Flamenco dress that her Abuela purchased for her from Spain. The irony of these photos consists of Elena in a red flamenco dress, which is her favorite color. Elena then chose the yellow background to compliment her red dress to represent the Spanish flag and their heritage. She amazes her family and many others with her amazing talent.
¡Olé Elena!
- Written and submitted by Lisa Bunn, Elena’s mother
CARD-USF 
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