From the United Nations to the White House - We have created awareness! Help empower and employ an artist with autism.
" Strokes of Genius celebrates the brilliant artwork of people on the autism spectrum. It provides an important venue where the public can learn about the artistic abilities of these individuals.”......Temple Grandin (Author: Thinking In Pictures)
Strokes of Genius (SOG) celebrates abilities! We empower individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) by promoting their artistic abilities in contrast to their disabilities. SOG provides art workshops (Train The Talent TTT℠) to further expand opportunities toward inclusion and independence for artists with autism who may be socially, verbally or behaviorally impaired. For those individuals with a “love” or “obsession” in creating art, we provide a vehicle to be able to express themselves, as well as generate income from their creativity. Due to the characteristic disabilities of some individuals with ASD, many may be unemployable and the existing employment opportunities are also extremely limited. In addition, often times a family is overwhelmed with the care-taking of their autistic family member, and opportunities to create a livelihood for them are extremely challenging or impossible to attain. At Strokes of Genius Inc, we create a portfolio, package the artwork, frame it , exhibit it and sell it. All proceeds from art sales go directly to the creating artists. Our art workshops are taught by other artists with autism. Please view Join My Art Class video by renowned artist /instructor Justin Canha.
Our mission is to bring the artwork of these talented individuals to the mainstream. We are able to bring these extraordinary artworks to the general public by enjoying the patronage of highly recognized artists with autism such as Donna Williams, Temple Grandin, Stephen Wiltshire, Ping Lian Yeak and many more. Their support drives participation in our art exhibitions while engaging our visitors with the artworks of emerging artists. Thus far we have gained national exposure for many of our participating artists in textbooks,non-fictions books, newspapers, magazines and radio shows. Our proudest moment so far has been the acceptance of three of our artists at a renowned New York City mainstream gallery (based on art and not autism)! For a list of prior exhibitions and to see more of Strokes of Genius successful accomplishments toward individual empowerment, click here.
Visit our website to see some of these extraordinary artworks! We need your help to expand our artists exhibition opportunities and acquire affordable venues to continue showcasing our artists and their ABILITES! Your contributions will help us to move forward in empowering these individuals by providing them with inclusionary opportunities to engage in a skill they love, make some money and inspire our audiences!
World recognized author and artist with autism, Donna Williams (1963-2017) had this to say about Strokes of Genius, Inc: "Strokes of Genius is more than a metaphor about Savant artists. It has been the brain child of accomplished Special Education specialist, Dr Rosa Martinez who has a passionate commitment to both autism and ARTism. Through Strokes of Genius she has been the committed, reliable, trustworthy and supportive curator of a multitude of high profile art exhibitions of high quality artworks by savant artists of all ages. She has nurtured new artists in their artistic development, has sought out and facilitated publishing opportunities for their works and progressively helped take autism arts to a higher level of social recognition. This doesn't just give self esteem, purpose and opportunity to those artists. It gives society an opportunity to learn about autism through autistic artists and to learn about the personhood of those with autism, expressed through their works. This helps challenge stereotypes and assumptions, builds bridges, breaks down walls. The works of the artists represented by Dr Martinez also inspire those at large to dare find, express or further develop the artist within themselves. Art is a non-verbal language. Whether through its colors, textures, movement, patterns, subject or styles, the art of those with autism speaks directly to the soul. The art is an act of observation, imagination, expression, communication and in its sharing it is a social communication. What better goals can there be to achieve for those on the autism spectrum. What better model can they set for their peers. I urge you to explore these artists and their works, to be inspired and connect." Donna Williams
In memory of Donna Williams, Strokes of Genius, Inc will feature an original artwork by Donna at every single art exhibition! We miss her dearly.
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