Artist Joel Anderson presents "One Frame at a Time" exhibit

Christal Gaines-Emory

Special to the Village News

The "One Frame at a Time: Art, Life & Community" exhibit created by artist, speaker, and author Joel Anderson will be presented in the Fallbrook Library until Jan. 3, highlighting many of Anderson's collaborative works.

Anderson has been expressing himself through art for many years and he has gained experience through organizations such as the Fallbrook Art Association, D'Vine Path, Autism Tree Project Foundation and Mainly Mozart. As an artist with autism, his art reflects his experiences, such as his piece "Colors of my Mind" which represents his synesthesia and what feelings he associates with certain colors, for example he associates the color blue with courage.

The Fallbrook Library was looking to highlight an artist with special needs when they came across Anderson, a Fallbrook resident.

"We really appreciate the Fallbrook Library staff for hosting this exhibit," said Sandi Anderson, mother of Joel Anderson and director of programs for Anderson's business, "Joel's Vision Arts." "All of his pieces have a story, which is why the library is the perfect place for his art."

Anderson has used this exhibit as an artistic learning opportunity, as well as a way to spread joy to others.

"This exhibit has helped me grow as an artist and as a human," he said. "It has helped me build my own skills, one step and one story at a time."

Along with the exhibit, Anderson is also promoting his "Smile Bags" which is a kit he builds for children in need in order to bring smiles to their faces. These kits are filled with art supplies, toys and other donations that will bring joy to a child.

Anderson has a donation box set up near the exhibit so the community can donate to help children in need all over the world. So far, the Smile Bags have been delivered to children in 10 countries, including India, Peru and the Philippines. Not only that, but 10% of all his painting sales go towards creating the Smile Bags.

Anderson has been called the "Artist of Smiles" for his dedication to bringing joy to others, through his artwork as well as his volunteering experiences. The "One Frame at a Time: Art, Life & Community" exhibit serves the same purpose, by showing these meaningful and unique works, Anderson hopes to bring joy to the community.

"My art is very colorful and meaningful; people like that," he said. Anderson hopes his art will inspire kids to express themselves through art, and he hopes people find joy in the wide variety of his work.

Anderson paints animals, people, objects, locations, and all of his art has deep meaning. His newest piece will be shown in Japan, and this piece features paintings of the eyes of his family, friends, mentors, and idols. Anderson said he is very excited to be able to show the community his work through the exhibit in the Fallbrook Library.

Anderson also said he is looking forward to continuing growing as an artist and as a person through his work.

For more information about artist Joel Anderson, visit https://www.joelsvisionarts.com/.