Creating an inclusive environment that fosters creativity and inspires innovation is a key component to the success of Cold Spring. Andrew O'Neill is a fifth-grade Cold Spring School student born with Down Syndrome and with only one hand. Despite his challenges, Andrew arrives at school every day with a smile on his face and a genuine love for others.
One of the special teachers in his life is the Cold Spring School Art teacher who is also his mom, Amber O’Neill. Mrs. O’Neill has instilled a love of art in all of the children including Andrew. Mrs. O’Neill has taught Andrew how to find his own voice through the stroke of a brush. "I have always loved watching him paint with intention and focus, without fear of critique or pressure of a perfect product," she says, "He has a pure love of the process. He embodies everything I lack as an artist. I admire his abstract style and freedom."
Together, they have created collaborative wave pieces and entitled the series “21 Colors” which is symbolic of trisomy 21, another term for Down Syndrome. The collaborative wave pieces have been displayed at the Colette Cosentino Gallery in Santa Barbara. Andrew generously donated 50% of the proceeds to SlingShot Gallery, a place where artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities can go to create and sell their works of art. Andrew and Mrs. O'Neill have also created a series of candy paintings to benefit the Gwendolyn Strong Foundation and their efforts to raise funds for an inclusive community playground.
Andrew has found a way to not only overcome his disabilities but to help others experience success. Andrew’s kindness, creativity, and generosity have brought a sense of celebration to the District, School, and greater Santa Barbara community.