A READER'S DIGEST BEST NONFICTION BOOK OF 2002 Ten years ago, Tim Lefens was introduced to a group of severely challenged students living at the Matheny School in New Jersey. None of them could walk, only one of them could talk, and all lacked the use of their hands. As a painter facing the gradual loss of his own eyesight, Lefens had come to fully appreciate the power of art, and he was determined to enable the students to paint despite their physical limitations. Flying Colors is an immensely inspiring story about leaping over obstacles. It is a story of friendship, courage, and the dream that brought a group of forgotten people into the heart of life. "Tim Lefens captures the amazing spirit of a group of youth the world thought could not succeed, illuminating, as well, the power art still has in a world where healing is all too often impersonal and reductive. This book is a keeper." -Lauren Slater, author of Love Works Like This and Prozac Diary "Brimming with enthusiasm . . . this wonderfully rich portrayal of student artists is a celebration to join." -Enicia Fisher, Christian Science Monitor "Art transforms the lives of a group of profoundly disabled individuals. . . . A vivid reminder that one teacher truly can make a difference." -Kirkus Reviews "An intensely moving memoir . . . unsparing and inspiring." -Publishers Weekly Tim Lefens is the founder of A.R.T. (Artistic Realization Techniques); he lives in Belle Mead, New Jersey