“Share My Kingdom” Documentary Showcases Artistic Work by Individuals with Disabilities

Little City Foundation, a Palatine-based nonprofit organization that provides personalized programs and services to children and adults with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities introduces its latest project: a documentary titled, “Share My Kingdom.”

“Share My Kingdom” delves into the lives and art of three artists with disabilities who emerged from the art studio at Little City. The documentary provides a view into the compelling life histories of the artistic creations of Harold Jeffries, Wayne Mazurek and Luke Tauber.

“This documentary has been a labor of love,” commented Producer and Director John Grod. “We didn’t start with a specific roadmap of how the project would turn out, but we knew we wanted to share the important stories of these three artists.”

While these men seem to have the odds stacked against them, they are able to turn their ideas into reality. With no formal art education or training, each of them transforms their vision into artistic works of expression.

“This film does a great job humanizing the artists that are featured,” said Little City Executive Director Shawn E. Jeffers. “These are three individuals who are great at what they do; we don’t want them to be defined by the word ‘disability’ and I think it’s apparent in this film that they are so much more.”

For over 25 years, Little City’s Center for the Arts has been dedicated to providing opportunities for artistic expression for individuals with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Center for the Arts has exhibited in the most prestigious outsider arts museums around the world. Located on Little City’s 56-acre campus in Palatine, the Center consists of a series of studios that focus on visual arts, painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, the applied arts and time-based media.

“The Center for the Arts allows individuals to express themselves and add meaning to their lives through the arts,” added fellow Producer and Little City Arts Administrator Frank Tumino.

The world premiere of “Share My Kingdom,” will be held on Oct. 9 at the Gene Siskel Film Center in Chicago. Following the premiere, all guests are invited to a celebratory reception, an exclusive Q&A with the producer and artists and opportunities to purchase art. Tickets can be purchased at littlecity.org/kingdom with a suggested donation of $20.

This project is supported by a grant from The Chicago Community Trust. Special thanks to Event Presenting Sponsor NBC-5 Chicago. 

To watch the official trailer and for more information, visit littlecity.org/kingdom.

View artist galleries and purchase artwork online at littlecity.org/arts.

For complete information, visit www.littlecity.org or contact Sally Blake at sblake@littlecity.org or 847-221-7831. 

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About Little City Foundation
For more than 50 years, Little City Foundation has developed innovative and personalized programs to fully assist and empower children and adults with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. With a commitment to attaining a greater quality of life for Illinois’ most vulnerable citizens, Little City actively promotes choice, person-centered planning and a holistic approach to health and wellness. Little City’s ChildBridge services include in-home personal and family supports, clinical and behavior intervention, 24/7 residential services and special needs foster care and adoption. Little City’s LifePath Adult Services offers a variety of residential options, employment opportunities, home-based services, case management, day supports, Special Olympics, an award-winning Center for the Arts and more. The organization has a 56-acre campus in Palatine and offices in Chicago. Visit www.littlecity.org.