It’s Time To Shine for artists with autism at the Westfield Valencia Town Center Mall.

The artwork of those with autism will be on display throughout April, Autism Awareness Month, at the mall starting today. The Time To Shine exhibit opened with the Light It Up Blue event at the Patios on Monday.

Maria Gutierrez, one of the organizers of the Time To Shine art exhibit, said this is an opportunity to display the artwork of all artists on the autism spectrum.

The pieces in the exhibit are created by artists with autism of all ages. Some as young as 3 have offered artwork to be displayed. Drawings, paintings, sculptures and photographs are some of the pieces that will be on display.

“I would like to have more projects from high school students and adults,” Gutierrez said.

The display will be in the mall, near the carousel and the Red Robin restaurant, for two months and end in May.

“We want to promote and celebrate people with autism,” Gutierrez said. “Sometimes they inspire with their art creations. We want the people in Santa Clarita to appreciate their talents. People need to see this. They need to see past the autism. Some people use art as a way to express themselves.”

Photos by Renee Bowen/Renee Bowen Photography