Flying Colors: The Story of a Remarkable Group of Artists and the Transcendent Power of Art

by Tim Lefens

Ten years ago, Tim Lefens was introduced to a group of severely challenged students living at the Matheny School in New Jersey. None of them could walk, only one of them could talk, and all lacked the use of their hands. As a painter facing the gradual loss of his own eyesight, Lefens had come to fully appreciate the power of art, and he was determined to enable the students to paint despite their physical limitations.

Flying Colors is an immensely inspiring story about leaping over obstacles. It is a story of friendship, courage, and the dream that brought a group of forgotten people into the heart of life.

"Art transforms the lives of a group of profoundly disabled individuals. . . . A vivid reminder that one teacher truly can make a difference." -- Kirkus Reviews

"An intensely moving memoir . . . unsparing and inspiring." -- Publishers Weekly

Genres: Nonfiction, Art, Audiobook

224 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2003

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE This book

If you want to challenge your view of disability this is a great way to start

As a disabled person who works in the disability sector, I can say that Tim "gets it" He truly understands that the people he meets in the book are underestimated and discriminated against

It bought tears to my eyes because he and the people he surrounds himself with have done much to empower and enrich the lives of those that have discovered A R T

The best bit is that its a true story and A R T continues today. Check out www.artrealizationtechnologies.com

[Val Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audio edition of this book and felt that it should be read/listened to by millions of people. It is so easy to judge from the outside; to exclude people because of their differences. In this book, Tim Lefens, an abstract artist, refuses to do that. His work with people with multiple physical limitations was transformative. In recognizing the person behind the supportive equipment, the motorized wheelchairs and electronic speech devices, he freed them to express who they are artistically. In the process, he got to know each artist and brought joy and purpose into their lives. Their work led to a sold out show in NYC and in the end, the establishment of A.R.T., Artistic Realizations Technologies, a program that uses adaptive methods to overcome barriers to creative expression. This is a hugely inspiring story and shows what a difference one person can make in the lives of others, which sounds trite, but isn't. The work is stunning; the effect powerful and empowering. Check them out: https://www.facebook.com/artrealization/

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5
Very important. Especially for those who fail to understand the importance of self expression and mental health.

[Elaine Cougler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flying Colors by Tim Lefens was a poignant look into the lives of the less fortunate. An artist, Lefens takes on a small group of "hopeless" cases in a "rest" home. His students, only one of whom can speak, are all struggling to survive in a society that caters to perfect people. Ultimately, artist Lefens brings his group to excel in their own artistic ways. Well done!

[Carol Weaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another of the books from the Reader's Digest series which I inherited from my grandmother, it is the true story of an artist who starts an arts program for the disabled. It makes you search your soul to find some of the generosity and warmth of this noble man. I found it very inspiring.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this one a couple of years ago. Good story of a teacher who fought the system on behalf of a group of (disabled) students, who weren't in a great position to do so themselves.

[Mary Hammock · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a heartfelt story.
232 pages

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anyone who considers the abilities of those who are differently-abled ought to read this book and take heart.