Seckman High School freshman Mackenzie Cook, 15, had three pieces of art on display last month at the 42 Maple Contemporary Art Center in Bethlehem, New Hampshire.
She had two photographs and one drawing in the national exhibit, which was called “Unspoken Words – Works by Autistic Artists.”
The exhibit was held in April, which was Autism Awareness month.
Mackenzie was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome when she was 4, and despite those challenges, she is an accomplished artist and student, said her mother, Antoinette Cook.
“I’m so proud of her, for all of her accomplishments,” her mom said. “It can be hard for her, but she’s a real trouper, and she fights for what she wants. She’s a straight-A student. She amazes me every day with everything she accomplishes.”
Mackenzie said she loves art, especially drawing, and wants to pursue a career as an animator.
She said she was “surprised, happy and proud” that her art was selected for the show in New Hampshire.
One photograph she had in the show is a self portrait titled “Friendless,” and another, titled “Silence,” shows a lone picnic table at the Mastodon Historic Site park in Imperial. The drawing, done in pencil, is titled “Alone and Abandoned” and features a girl crying.
Mackenzie said she was feeling “depressed” when she created the pieces.
Her mother said Mackenzie has trouble talking to people, so art helps her express her feelings.
“She uses drawing as a way to get her emotions out,” Antoinette said. “She’s a very talented artist and as her mom, I’m so proud of all she’s overcome. I’m excited to see just how far she will go in her bright future.”
Antoinette said Seckman High special education teacher Holly Hick helped Mackenzie with the art she created for the exhibit, explaining to her what “Unspoken Words” meant.
“Mackenzie used mixed mediums – drawing and photography – to express her emotions as a student living with the challenges of autism,” Hicks said in a written statement.
Antoinette and Mackenzie recently moved from Arnold to Imperial.
Mackenzie has an older brother, Nathan Cook, 22.
