Art opens new world for 11-year-old
Enid girl uses talents to help make a difference for others.

ENID — On many occasions, Amanda LaMunyon has questioned her purpose and why God made her different from other girls her age.

She's wondered why her clothes always seem to bother her, why her food must taste and smell just right, and why she prefers to be in a quiet room instead of being around other children.

Amanda, 11, has Asperger's syndrome, which according to a Web site about the disorder is a milder form of autism that is characterized by social isolation and eccentric behavior in childhood.

Amanda's mother enrolled her in art lessons four years ago, hoping it would keep her daughter busy and make her feel good about herself. What started as a hobby has become much more.

Amanda says she now realizes that she wasn't overlooked by God but is a tool he can use to bring hope to others.

She sells her artwork to raise money for numerous charities and gives replicas of her paintings to people because she wants them to see that, despite the challenges they may face, they can make a difference in the world.

Amanda recently donated a replica of her painting "The Hope Inside of Me” to the St. Francis Xavier Church in Enid. The painting will hang in the Our Daily Bread soup kitchen.

She said she hopes the painting of the cross will serve as a witness to others.

"A lot of people do not know Christ,” she said. "I hope the painting will give them hope and that it will let them know God is watching over them.”

This year, Amanda began selling her artwork and donating a portion of the proceeds to Children's Medical Research Institute and Children's Miracle Network.

She also got to be a part of the Children's Miracle Network radiothon and telethon.

"I want to give to other children who are ill so that they can find a cure so they won't be in pain for the rest of their lives,” she said.

Amanda said volunteering has made her realize there are people who suffer from far worse than she does.

In November, she was awarded a national volunteer service award during the National American Miss Pageant in California.

Sherry LaMunyon said her daughter has become more confident.

"In her giving, she has learned that her life is valuable and God has a purpose for her,” Sherry LaMunyon said.

Amanda's artwork recently was included in a book titled "A Girl's Guide to Achieving in the Arts,” written by Kristen Stephens, coordinator of educational outreach at Duke University, and Frances A. Karnes.

She also accomplished a goal by sending Nancy Reagan a replica of a painting she did of Ronald Reagan. Amanda toured the Ronald W. Reagan Presidential Library & Museum in Simi Valley, Calif., and met Nancy Reagan's secretary, Wren Powell. Her painting will be included in the archives of gifts given to the library.

In February, Amanda will participate in the Sitting Pretty Luncheon sponsored by Abounding Grace Ministries. She will give a speech about autism and will auction off a replica of her painting "Via Dolorosa.” Proceeds from the auction will benefit Abounding Grace Ministries, a Christian counseling service.

Amanda's artwork also will be featured in a book titled, "Girls Under the Umbrella,” by Danielle Wendell and Lori Ernsperger, which is scheduled to be published in 2007.

Next year, she will begin working on several paintings to commemorate Oklahoma's centennial.

Amanda said she dreams of having her paintings hang all over the world beside those of her favorite artists. She also wants to be the first American woman artist to sell a painting for a large amount of money while she is still living.

"I've learned that if you don't work hard you won't accomplish your goals,” she said. "I want other people with learning differences to know that their challenges can be a gift.”

Amanda's artwork can be purchased through her Web site at www.amandalamunyon.com.