Members of the Student Activities Board and the Center for the Arts at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey, have collaborated on an art exhibition designed to raise money for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) awareness, the Daily Record reports.
The Puzzle Project began at Brookdale Community College in 2009 and has since spread to 15 states and several countries as well, according to the source.
Participants in the project purchase a 24 by 24-square-inch universal puzzle piece for $10 that they bring home and turn into a unique and creative piece of art. Once the work is finished, the artists return it to the Pollak Theatre Gallery where it will be inserted into the puzzle, in effect making one large piece of art.
"It can be a painting, drawing, collage, words, mixed media, fabric...anything," Tim Kelly, one of the original artists, told the publication. "Anyone can participate. The goal of each piece isn't just to say something, but to say something meaningful to you."
Once the artwork is finished, the Monmouth University puzzle will be displayed in New York City alongside 5,000 other pieces for an exhibit raising money and autism awareness.
Creating awareness can help children with autism get the resources they need to be able to live a fulfilled life. Proper education and therapies allow children of all abilities to learn together and play together at parks or on
playground equipment.