REVIEW: Isla’s Notebook is a celebration of joy and expression
03/08 @ Collar Works, Troy
Photo by Monica Vega
“I want to save my art show forever, I will treasure it now.” — Isla Kai
In the world of art, it’s often said that the canvas speaks for itself. But 12-year-old Isla Kai doesn’t just let her art speak; she lets it sing, dance, and shout.
Isla was diagnosed with epilepsy in February 2016 and on the autism spectrum in June 2018. Isla’s journey was her very own right from the beginning, carving a path that was unique and full of adventure and challenges.
On March 8th, Isla celebrated her first-ever art show at Collar Works in Troy, dubbed Isla’s Notebook. More than just an exhibition, it was also a fundraiser. In 2019, Isla was a Make-A-Wish recipient, during a time when her prolonged seizures were not controlled by medication. Isla and her family chose to direct 50% of all proceeds directly to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, to support the cause and show their gratitude.
Throughout her life, Isla has navigated spaces that were rarely designed with people with disabilities in mind. She has also navigated a world that did not always perceive or value her unique gifts, which often fell outside of a standard model for success and achievement.
Up until recently, Isla struggled to manipulate art materials. Making a mark with a crayon would cause frustration and a lack of interest in making art. And then on her own time, Isla began to explore self-expression with colored pencils and markers on cards, books, and stuffies. She would get lost in this creative process and a new world opened up.
To go from art being a source of frustration to creating a piece that has now been purchased by Adam and Jackie Sandler not only speaks volumes about Isla’s talent but on her growth and her resilience.
“This is what’s possible when people are thoughtful and inclusive with Isla in mind,” Isla’s mother, Noëlle said. “She’s on a hero’s journey,” Noëlle added, and honestly, she hit the nail on the head. The art show wasn’t just a milestone, but a turning point in a much greater journey, one of self-expression, growth, and love.
Collar Works’ commitment to Isla and her art is a direct testament to their mission. With the need for spaces like this increasing, especially at a time when many artists struggle to find platforms that celebrate diverse voices and perspectives, Collar Works ensures that underrepresented artists can share their work with the world. Through their dedication to Isla’s vision, they continue to create a community where creativity thrives and barriers are broken down.
At the art show, Isla’s infectious laughter filled the space as she moved through the crowd, engaging with friends and family, but the pride in her eyes was more radiant than any painting. The space was full of love and joy, the kind that comes when a person’s soul shines through their work.
The event featured great food from The Pony Show and Honest Weight Food Co-op, music from DJ Intel Hayesfield, and a touching performance from Isla and her younger sister, Lulu.
Photo by Monica Vega
Elizabeth Dubben, Executive Director of Collar Works, has worked with countless emerging artists, but Isla’s journey has been something else entirely.
“It’s brought so much joy to see her journey as an artist completely blossom,” Dubben says. “It’s been a really transformative experience for her—just to show that she doesn’t have to wait until she’s an adult to be an artist. This has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my career,” she said.
Isla’s work is a reflection of herself: colorful, confident, and free. Each piece is a little universe, a world of its own, created with tempera pens, colored pencils, and anything she can get her hands on. The different textures of her pieces tell stories of exploration and boldness. There’s an energy to them, almost graffiti-like, and it seems that she’s found her signature style.
Emily Nola, the Artistic Director of Collar Works, said, “Forget that she’s 12, they’re just wonderful drawings! The confidence in this kind of mark-making is something a lot of people don’t achieve until much later in their career.”
Isla’s love for blue and pink, colors that fill her world, is evident in the way they thread through her work, these colors are reminiscent of Isla’s very presence, calm and expansive, yet playful and lively. “Art feels amazing,” Isla says with a smile. “My art is my dreams.”
Isla’s father, Nate said, “It’s really beautiful to see everybody coming together. There are people here from a decade ago, ones who have spent hours in our home, and to see those relationships still full of love—it’s really special.”
Isla has an eye for detail, not just in her art, but in every aspect of her life. When I had the opportunity to spend time with Isla and her family, they shared stories of fond moments and memories, as well as stories about how Isla remembers the smallest details. She’s so in tune with the world and the people around her that sometimes she knows what someone needs before they even realize it themselves.
Photo by Monica Vega
This ability to pay close attention to others is what helps Isla build strong, lasting relationships, and it’s clear she genuinely cares about everyone she meets. Her speech pathologist, Jenneane Klahr, put it beautifully: “The friendships she forms are truly genuine, and you can see that they extend beyond the classroom. It’s a testament to the person that Isla is.”
Having a chance to spend time with the family allowed me to quickly understand how Isla and Lulu have grown into such wonderful and confident young people. Their parents have created an environment that supports, encourages, and accepts. While visiting, the love and trust in the air was unquestionable and I immediately felt at home and accepted.
“I see their family, and I think that if I ever get a chance to have kids, I hope that I can raise my family the way that they raise theirs,” Gregory Theodore Marsh, a family friend who has enjoyed watching Isla’s growth said at the art show.
I had the pleasure of getting a duet of “Pink Pony Club” by Chappell Roan, performed by Lulu and Isla. The way the two sang together and smiled at one another spoke to their impeccable bond as siblings, it was truly something special to watch. Their dog pockets couldn’t resist joining the fun either, making sure that he was sat between the pair.
I also got to hear one of Lulu’s original songs, a song that she had written for and about her sister. Not only does Lulu have a phenomenal voice and impressive guitar skills, but her lyricism and storytelling abilities are out of this world. “If you show the world who you are, you’ll run so fast like you’re a shooting star, 'cause you are,” Lulu sang. Lulu’s words showcase the importance of showing up unapologetically, showing up as you are, and remaining true to yourself and what you love.
Photo by Monica Vega
Through her art, Isla paints the world in colors we never knew we needed, reminding us that in a world where it can sometimes be difficult to be yourself and express yourself, art is the language of the soul.
As I left their family home after meeting and spending time with the family, I realized something. Spaces like this, filled with love, inclusion, and unshakable support, are rare. Walking through their door felt like being let in on something special, something real.
Speaking with Isla never felt like an interview, attending Isla’s art show never felt like something that I had to review. It all felt like an invitation into a world where joy is shared freely, where art is made with heart, and where, when you make eye contact with Isla, she gives you a look that immediately tells you: “I see you. You’re welcome here. And I’m happy.” Well, Isla, we see you, the world is yours, and your art, your heart, and your spirit make us all happy.