More than 200 pieces of student artwork lined the outdoor gallery walls. Families, community leaders, and visitors lingered in front of paintings and mixed-media works, taking photos and admiring the creativity on display. Nearby, students and siblings gathered around hands-on art stations to create birdhouses, bracelets, and Father’s Day cards. At the center of it all, a community mural grew with every brushstroke.
On Saturday, May 30, Help Group welcomed more than 350 students, families, and community members to Art Fest 2026, a free, interactive arts experience celebrating the creativity, talent, and unique perspectives of neurodiverse young people.
“Art Fest reflects what we believe at Help Group: every young person deserves opportunities to express themselves, share their unique perspective, and have their strengths recognized,” said Dr. Susan Berman, President and CEO of Help Group. “The arts provide a powerful pathway for self-expression, confidence, and connection, allowing our students to communicate who they are and what they have to offer the world.”
The Sherman Oaks campus was transformed into an outdoor arts festival, complete with a student gallery, sensory-friendly activities, and a live mural led by Help Group alum and professional artist Gabe Gault.
Among the attendees was Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who toured the exhibition, met with students and families, and reflected on the meaningful role Help Group has played in her own family’s life.
“Help Group is a life-saving, life-changing institution. It gives families peace of mind knowing their children are safe, accepted, and supported in discovering whatever jewels they have inside of them,” Bass said during the event. “Even being here today and looking at my grandson’s art, I learned something totally new about him.”
For many students, Art Fest was about more than displaying artwork. Inspired by this year’s theme, My Journey to Becoming, students used art to share their hopes, interests, identities, and aspirations—offering perspectives that are often difficult to express in words.
One of the day’s most meaningful gathering places was the community mural, where students, families, staff, and visitors painted side by side. For Gault, the project carried special significance. As a former Help Group student, he returned to campus not only as an accomplished artist, but as someone who understands firsthand the importance of being encouraged, supported, and seen.
“It’s really special to come back to the place that helped shape who I am,” Gault shared. “Art gives young people a way to express themselves, build confidence, and realize their voices matter.”
The overwhelming response to this year’s event reinforced the importance of creating opportunities for students to share their artistic talents. Building on that enthusiasm, Help Group will continue showcasing student artwork throughout the year through online exhibitions and pop-up displays, giving even more people the opportunity to experience the creativity and unique perspectives of its students.
Art Fest reflected Help Group’s commitment to creating opportunities where young people can develop confidence, connect with others, and have their strengths recognized. The artwork on display sparked conversations, fostered understanding, and reminded everyone in attendance that when students are given opportunities to share their talents, their voices enrich the entire community.