FCSN’s 4th Annual Art Exhibit

Written by: Fiona Yang, FCSN Voices Editor
Graphics by: Amanda Loh, FCSN Voices Graphic Artist

From 4-6:30 p.m. on August 22nd at 42080 Osgood Road, FCSN hosted the opening night for Without Limits, a vibrant and lively art exhibit showcasing the creativity and work of artists with special needs. Featuring 243 emotionally evoking and colorful artworks and 52 accomplished artists, Without Limits celebrates the inclusion and limitless potential of individuals with special needs.

FCSN’s art exhibition began in 2022 as an opportunity for individuals with developmental disabilities to share their artistic voices, and since then, it has grown into a yearly showcase of diverse and evocative art pieces. Artists can submit works ranging from mixed media, colored pencil, acrylic, diamond paintings, and more. Without Limits, the 4th annual Art Exhibit’s 2025 theme, reveals the limitless possibilities when barriers are removed and creativity is encouraged, reminding everyone that art is not bound by expectations. This idea is especially true for artists who may have limited verbal communication, and art is their way of communicating emotions, dreams, and perspective. “One of the things we wanted to showcase this year is that our students, when given the chance, can truly thrive without limits. And one of the ways we can showcase that is through the artwork where they can express themselves fully,” Event Chair Vivian Largusa said.

*Mixed media art of FCSN’s Fremont location*

Upon entering the building, participants explore three exhibition rooms. In the first room, dim lights highlight 24-year-old clay artist Austin Chen’s assorted ceramics: mugs, vases, and tea sets. The middle table showcases an extravagant and colorful FCSN sign surrounded by flower clay art and diamond dot art of manga character Crayon Shin Chan and Sanrio character Kuromi. Other notable artworks include a mixed media tile art titled “Together Under One Roof” of the Osgood Center and a 3D model of Dubai’s Burj Khalifa. All across the building’s halls, framed artworks are scattered across the walls, creating a colorful and awe-inspiring atmosphere.

*Artworks with mixed media and acrylic on canvas*

Thirty minutes after opening, FCSN Executive Business Director Sylvia Yeh began the opening ceremony of Without Limits. After a short commemoration speech, Dream Achievers, an award winning band consisting of musicians with autism, beautifully performed The Little Mermaid’s “Under the Sea.” Alongside music, artists and FCSN program attendees formed a long line around the room, taking turns dancing across the stage with ocean themed picture frames, colorful umbrellas painted with pink and blue jellyfish, circle shapes and wave strokes, and clownfish shaped cardboard costumes.

After the performances ended, Vivian invited all five of the featured artists to give individual speeches, documenting their artistic journey and interests. These artists included Austin, acrylic painters Ken Lin and Kristin O’Rourke, colored pencil artist Jinko Cruz, and Chinese brush artist Raymond Hu. Shortly after, VIP guests including Fremont Mayor Raj Salwan, Cupertino Mayor Liang Chao, and Alameda Supervisors’ representative went on stage to award FCSN certificates of recognition, honoring the organization’s continued efforts for special needs individuals. “FCSN always does a great job, whatever they do. Their hearts, how they bring the community together, it’s just wonderful,” San Leandro Regional Center of the East Bay Representative Ronke Sodipo said.

*FCSN co-founders and staff receive certificate from Fremont Mayor Raj Salwan*

Following the end of the ceremony, Friends Coffee & Tea served trays of well prepared and assorted food such as pitas, skewered kebabs with tomatoes and meat, and biscuit snacks. As attendees mingled, Dream Achievers continued playing music, filling the environment with a festive and vibrant mood. Songs they played included Despicable Me 2’s “Happy,” Backstreet Boys’ “I Want It That Way,” and Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida.” “I didn’t know that [FCSN artists] were this professional grade … [This] makes me feel proud of my community, our special needs children and adults … All of our special needs individuals are part of [Fremont’s] fabric,” Fremont Mayor Raj Salwan said.