"I have a very special place in my heart for autism. I've made it my mission to use the undeniable power of MUSIC and ART to reach out to all people and help raise awareness about autism. I've learned much by working with such special people and feel that music and art can best portray their special qualities and spirit. They deserve to have a voice. I choose to focus on their abundance of beauty and special qualities rather than focusing on their social disabilities because that is what shines through in my eyes. I've created a painting called, "MUSIC ON MY SHOULDER", based on a sketch of a dove made by a very special autistic and ARTISTIC woman I worked with named, Anne Marie. I wanted her to witness her talent manifested into a tangible reality. Her gifts inspired me to see way beyond her social disability. I also wrote a song about her special spirit. I believe that my song, "Anne Marie" will help others see the spirit of autism in the same light as I do. Music and art are a powerful tool in helping raise awareness of issues that surround us every day yet remain unseen. Personally, I also really believe that we must give special attention to those who are ALREADY HERE with autism and help them to nurture their special gifts instead of treating and seeing them from just a cold, technical, and medical perspective. THEY ARE SPECIAL AND THEY ARE HERE. Every one of them that I've worked with has had a very unique gift.

While it is great that we look for a cure and look at preventative measures, we must also give special attention to those who are ALREADY HERE and make sure that we nurture their special gifts and praise them with special and positive attention. Another part of this campaign is that we also help family members and others who are not in the autistic community the opportunity to recognize all the positive gifts these very special people can contribute to our society. I plan on exposing their talents, especially musicians, and believe that *their gift/work will speak for itself*. That is the goal of my campaign." -Shirley Levi

I asked Anne Marie to sketch the white dove since she specializes in animal sketches. This painting symbolizes music from G-d which replenishes itself through my spirit and heart. I thought it would be very special to have Anne Marie guest star in this specific painting since she is pure with her intentions and creations like myself. We are both artists. The dove is a symbol for both of us. I wanted to motivate her to believe in her creations and to see it manifested into a beautiful reality. —Shirley Levi

Excerpt from: Shirley Levi in an Exclusive Interview.

Question: I've heard you are deeply involved with charity work? Which are you affiliated with?

Shirley Levi: Any that cross my path and that are legitimately trying to help. I have a very special place in my heart for Autism. I have supported the homeless since a very young age. I've written songs for many causes. I have given away paintings for Autism, Aids, Cancer, Love... performed at charity events to help raise money for the arts and to help raise monies for children in low income housing. Check with me next year and I will have many more in my path. Virtually everything I do is to help. I believe this is my path in life as an artist. Everyone can give what they are the best at. Some have the money and others have other gifts to contribute. I am a writer, singer, musician, artist, director... and G-d knows what else and so I give away my work in paintings or songs to raise awareness or raise money for the cause.

Question: Tell me more about Autism. I know your song "Anne Marie" is supposed to be about an Autistic woman. Is that true?

Shirley Levi: Anne Marie is a very special Autistic woman I worked with. I witnessed the gift in the so called disability they call Autism. In my song you get to know the woman and her talent first before you even care to know she's autistic. I mention again right after that she is artistic. Spirit fighting mind... spirit shine through ... These lyrics to me show their extraordinary and fascinating gifts which comp#99FFFFnt their specialties in each and every one of them. They say G-d gives us in ten folds for that which he takes away. I believe that. Their social skills remain as children... untouched, untainted and very real and sincere... strong and pure instincts that can be guided and nurtured to develop their individual special gift instead of neglecting them. I would love for people to see what I see. To see them through that special place they are here to expose and not just from a medical perspective or stand point. Anne Marie is very special and she represents to me the spirit of Autism. I see myself in her.

View and Download Shirley Levi's autism awareness info here. (PDF FILE)

LISTEN TO SHIRLEY LEVI'S LATEST RADIO INTERVIEWS IN SUPPORT OF AUTISM AWARNESS! Read More about the featured interviews THIS SHOW AIRED TUESDAY, NOV.28 @ 9AM WITH HOST BESTY HICKS. YOU CAN ALSO DOWNLOAD SHIRLEY LEVI'S INTERVIEW HERE AS A QUICKTIME FILE. YOU CAN ALSO DOWNLOAD SHIRLEY LEVI'S INTERVIEW HERE AS A QUICKTIME FILE.

Join Shirley Levi's "Music On My Shoulder" cause on FACEBOOK

ONE CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION Shirley Levi has donated her piece "Blind Faith" to One Children's Foundation Art Auction @ Lola Mora Gallery. All funds raised at this event will be used to purchase food baskets for children of unemployed parents in the city of Los Angeles. Blind Faith 36" X 24" - 2008 This show will be running until the end of September, 2009. Shirley is also exhibiting two of her other pieces "Mental Affair" and "Inspiration". Lola Mora Gallery is located at 1549 Echo Park Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90026. There will be a reception Friday, September 11, 2009 from 7:30pm - 10:30pm. For more info about the event, please click here ONE Children's Foundation is a new organization fueled by the passion of its founders and ever-expanding team of volunteers who want to make a difference in the lives of our most important treasure: our children.

GENERATION RESCUE Money raised through her Facebook Cause profile is donated to Jenny McCarthy and Jim Carrey's organization, Generation Rescue. Generation Rescue is an international movement of scientists and physicians researching the causes and treatments for autism, ADHD and chronic illness, while parent-volunteers mentor thousands of families in recovering their children.

Shirley has also donated her paintings "Aluminum Nature" to a Gay Rights Fundraiser and "Destruction" to help with AIDS Research. Aluminum Nature - 18 x 24; April 2003 Destruction - 24 x 18; February 2003

December 17th at 1:00 pm CST for a very special interview with visionary artist Shirley Levi. This innovative, multilingual artist is bursting with talent and she is using it to help promote Autism Awareness. Shirley's selfless and pure heart touches countless lives. Her love for persons with autism flows through her unique gifts as a singer, songwriter, artist and activist. Her soul/punk style, melodic voice and creative interpretation transcends cultural boundaries and reaches the next generation in a fresh, positive way, as proven by her 4+ million fans world wide. Shirley Levi will share with us the experiences, which embedded in her a deep passion for those affected with autism. She powerfully and graciously expresses her compassion for these special people through her Autism Awareness Campaign, "Music on My Shoulder". We will be closing our program with her song entitled, "Anne Marie". A tribute to a gifted, artistic woman with autism, whose incredible friendship has defined the course of Shirley's life path. Tune in, and be inspired by Shirley's courage to speak out for those who seemingly have no voice. Please tune in on Christmas Eve Day at 1:00 pm CST for the Spanish interview and to hear the Spanish version of "Anne Marie".