Books that Touch

Thomas Balsamo, nationally-renowned black-and-white portraiture artist and Barrington area native, will be premiering his latest and most inspirational body of work at an upcoming gallery showing, sponsor at an upcoming gallery showing, sponsored by the Barrington Area Arts Council, on Friday, January 17, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. The work will be on display through February 28 at the council, located at 207 Park Avenue in Barrington

His latest work is reflected through Souls: Beneath and Beyond Autism, a recently released book that is a collaborative effort between Balsamo and Sharon Rosenbloom, a prolific writer and speech pathologist as well as a mother of an autistic child. Distributed by McGraw-Hill, the book is committed to portraying autism and more profoundly, individuals with autism from the inside out. Through the media of black-and-white photography and writing, the goal of this book is to educate and inspire by breaking apart stereotypes associated with autism, while showing vividly that love is ever omnipotent over trials and triumphs.

“It explores autism from a unique vantage, looking beneath the surface while presenting startlingly beautiful images of children and families living and loving in the world of autism. The greater message illustrates how, from the depths or despair, we often experience our greatest triumphs,” says Rosenbloom.

Two seminars will be included during the exhibits. The first seminar will take place on January 29 at 6:30 p.m. for BAAC’s Writers Workshop. Balsamo and Rosenbloom will discuss the creative process of producing an original nonfiction book from the conception to the publication.

The second lecture presented by Rosenbloom, entitled “Beneath and Beyond Autism,” will take place on Saturday, February 22, at 11:00 a.m. Rosenbloom is a speech and speech pathologist and a parent of a 15-year-old son with autism. For over 12 years, she has presented at conferences for both professionals and parents. Her knowledge and hands-on experience has resulted in a practical approach to dealing with autism. The seminars are free and open to the public. Reservations are encouraged.

According to Balsamo, Souls: Beneath and Beyond Autism is the first of many books to be created by Books That Touch Inc., a publishing company whose sole purpose is to create books that affect people in a positive way. Projects are designed to educate enlighten and leave a lasting impression on the reader.

“BAAC is honored to present these remarkable artists. Their sensitivity and insight into the world of autism creates profound and magnificent images which resonate into a crescendo of beauty,” says Corinne M. Pierog, executive director BAAC.

A portion of the proceeds from this book and subsequent others will benefit Ray of Hope, a startup, not-for-profit organization created by Balsamo and Rosenbloom dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals through education, family support and training.

Balsamo is the owner of Portraits by Thomas, a studio specializing in black-and-white portraiture. His work has appeared in national publications such as Time Magazine, Professional Photographers of America and Range Finder, and has been displayed at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C.

Celebrating 25 years, the BAAC Gallery is part of the Barrington Area Arts Council, a not-for-profit organization which supports, promotes and sustains programs in the visual, literary and performing arts. BAAC is partially funded through individual and corporate contributions and the Illinois Art Council, a state agency. For information call the BAAC at 1-847-382-5626.



		Barrington Lifestyles ™ News Magazine Nationally-Renowned Portraiture Artist Showcases Souls: Beneath and Beyond Autism Thomas Balsamo, nationally-renowned black-and-white portraiture artist and Barrington area native, will be premiering his latest and most inspirational body of work at an upcoming gallery showing, sponsor at an upcoming gallery showing, sponsored by the Barrington Area Arts Council, on Friday, January 17, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. The work will be on display through February 28 at the council, located at 207 Park Avenue in Barrington His latest work is reflected through Souls: Beneath and Beyond Autism, a recently released book that is a collaborative effort between Balsamo and Sharon Rosenbloom, a prolific writer and speech pathologist as well as a mother of an autistic child. Distributed by McGraw-Hill, the book is committed to portraying autism and more profoundly, individuals with autism from the inside out. Through the media of black-and-white photography and writing, the goal of this book is to educate and inspire by breaking apart stereotypes associated with autism, while showing vividly that love is ever omnipotent over trials and triumphs. “It explores autism from a unique vantage, looking beneath the surface while presenting startlingly beautiful images of children and families living and loving in the world of autism. The greater message illustrates how, from the depths or despair, we often experience our greatest triumphs,” says Rosenbloom. Two seminars will be included during the exhibits. The first seminar will take place on January 29 at 6:30 p.m. for BAAC’s Writers Workshop. Balsamo and Rosenbloom will discuss the creative process of producing an original nonfiction book from the conception to the publication. The second lecture presented by Rosenbloom, entitled “Beneath and Beyond Autism,” will take place on Saturday, February 22, at 11:00 a.m. Rosenbloom is a speech and speech pathologist and a parent of a 15-year-old son with autism. For over 12 years, she has presented at conferences for both professionals and parents. Her knowledge and hands-on experience has resulted in a practical approach to dealing with autism. The seminars are free and open to the public. Reservations are encouraged. According to Balsamo, Souls: Beneath and Beyond Autism is the first of many books to be created by Books That Touch Inc., a publishing company whose sole purpose is to create books that affect people in a positive way. Projects are designed to educate enlighten and leave a lasting impression on the reader. “BAAC is honored to present these remarkable artists. Their sensitivity and insight into the world of autism creates profound and magnificent images which resonate into a crescendo of beauty,” says Corinne M. Pierog, executive director BAAC. A portion of the proceeds from this book and subsequent others will benefit Ray of Hope, a startup, not-for-profit organization created by Balsamo and Rosenbloom dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals through education, family support and training. Balsamo is the owner of Portraits by Thomas, a studio specializing in black-and-white portraiture. His work has appeared in national publications such as Time Magazine, Professional Photographers of America and Range Finder, and has been displayed at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C. Celebrating 25 years, the BAAC Gallery is part of the Barrington Area Arts Council, a not-for-profit organization which supports, promotes and sustains programs in the visual, literary and performing arts. BAAC is partially funded through individual and corporate contributions and the Illinois Art Council, a state agency. For information call the BAAC at 1-847-382-5626.