Rita, my niece, born with Down syndrome, is a remarkable woman and the joy of my life.
To learn more about Rita, visit her website at ritawinkler.art
Born with Down syndrome, my niece Rita wakes up every morning excited to go to work at the Coffee Shed, a business owned by Common Ground Co-operative in Toronto.
Common Ground gives adults with developmental disabilities real, safe, supervised jobs, along with purpose, dignity, and the proud title of Partner.
Rita’s joy, pride, and beautiful smile show exactly why this program matters. It changes lives and strengthens the community.
Please watch the video above to learn more. If you are moved to help, please consider donating by clicking here: Common Ground.
Rita’s Moment to Shine
Yes, a book has been published about Rita.
The audience is for ages 6-9 years of age. The publishing company is Second Story Press, and the name of the book is “My Art, My World.
This was a book I created in 2020 as a substitute for the annual Bowl-a-thon for Common Ground. Because of Covid, the Bowl-a-thon was cancelled, which made the need to raise money even more important this year. With my sister-in-law Helen, we quickly put together this book to entice people to make donations.
We thought that would be the end of this stint. But not so. Unsolicited, we were contacted by Second Story Press, who saw the book from one of our donors by chance. Within one week, we signed a contract. The goal is to distribute the book to schools, libraries, bookstores and online in Canada and the United States. The hope is also to have the book translated for distribution outside North America. One hundred percent of the royalties will be divided between Common Ground and Dani.
We want this book to be a teaching tool for kids all around the world. Helping them to understand that there are many different types of people that are not like themselves. Through Rita’s art (that communicates so clearly how she sees life), this book will educate at an early age that there needs to be understanding, empathy, and tolerance so that everyone gets a fair shot in this world. You only have to meet Rita once to understand how special she is and how much she contributes to society. Hopefully, this book will spread this message so that others in her situation can thrive in their own way without prejudice, hatred, and ignorance.
And finally, we hope that Rita will continue to be a spokesperson and role model for those with developmental disabilities and have a career where she continues to wake up every morning with that big smile announcing, “I gotta go to work.”
For those interested in visiting Rita’s website, click here. For those interested in a copy of Rita’s book, please click here to purchase. To purchase any of Rita’s paintings click here.
Promoting “My Art, My World!”
Helen, Rita, and I were on Canadian National TV this morning on “The Morning Show.” We were promoting Rita’s book, My Art, My World. We also had a surprise guest at the end.
Where to Buy:
Book 2 – Color Outside the Lines:
An animal coloring Book for ages 4-9, celebrating imagination, creativity, and the joy of seeing the world in your own way.
What the reviewers are saying:
Thought-provoking interactive coloring storybook from Winkler.
As we learn, the inspiration for this book comes from the whimsical watercolors painted by his niece, Rita, who has Down syndrome. Her original paintings, featured at the end of the book, range from a shark with one ear to rainbow snails and a blue puppy, encouraging youth aged 4 to 9 to view the world differently and honor self-expression.
The book cleverly pairs playful line drawings by Winkler intended for kids to decorate, along with brief descriptions and directions meant to guide them into thinking beyond traditional boundaries. Whether it’s the elephant under the umbrella, a flying pig, or a magical chef dragon, children are allowed to let their silly side loose. Exploring feelings, experimenting with choices, and learning to value one’s own vision seems to be what it’s all about here.
The language throughout is easy to understand, yet empowering, reminding little ones that “there’s never just one way to color” and that diversity makes the world a brighter and better place. As both an advocate and Rita’s uncle, Winkler underscores the idea that art is not only for artistic expression but also for connection, growth, discovery, and understanding. What we get is more than a coloring book; it’s an inspiring message about creativity, difference, and belonging. Winkler opens up a world where young creators can explore happiness, originality, and boundless possibilities with this unique read.
An upbeat picture-book celebration of individuality and inner peace-perfect for sparking children’s creativity.”
– Kirkus Reviews
Where to Buy:
Rita Paints What Rita Sees:
“Rita Paints What Rita Sees” is a joyful music video celebrating Rita’s one-of-a-kind watercolor art, her playful way of seeing the world, and the loving creative team around her. From bossy birds and famous trees to emotional whales, glorious chickens, and a pig that absolutely needed to be painted, this video brings Rita’s imagination to life with humor, heart, and full-color charm.
Rita Winkler is a Canadian artist born with Down syndrome whose paintings invite people to see the world differently. Her work is bright, expressive, surprising, and deeply personal. This video celebrates not only Rita’s art, but also inclusion, creativity, family, and the beautiful power of making the world a little less beige.
