CSU alum bringing autism arts camp to Charleston
April 11, 2022
Ashley Drayton, a 2010 Charleston Southern University alumna, observed during her years with Parks and Recreation that those with special needs were not championed in the camp environment.
Drayton, an actress, model, and philanthropist, established the House of Artists Foundation in 2017. The Atlanta-based nonprofit offers vocational training programs, independent living skills, and creative arts events such as Camp Artism, for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Camp Artism is coming to Charleston for the first time April 11-16 and has partnered with Charleston Southern to use university facilities for some of the camp activities for up to 20 artists age 12 and above.
Some of the activities happening on Charleston Southern’s campus include underwater photography in the campus pool, video editing, and North Charleston Police and Fire departments will provide interactive activities and a driver education course using golf carts.
Drayton has witnessed Camp Artism artists experience personal breakthroughs through the peer-focused art environment. Parents have breakthroughs as well when they see how their children are thriving.
Camp Artism is run like a production set. “Everyone works together, and the artists love it,” said Drayton. To learn more about Camp Artism and the House of Artists Foundation, visit houseofartistsfoundation.org.
About Charleston Southern University
Founded in 1964 in the heart of the Charleston metro area, Charleston Southern University is a private, Christian liberal arts university. With an enrollment of 3,378 students, CSU offers more than 80 academically rigorous and faith-integrated undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. Charleston Southern is one of South Carolina’s largest accredited, independent universities and has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as #21 nationally for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs and #13 for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans. Students can learn online or in a traditional classroom setting, all while discovering their pathway to purpose.
