Strokes of Genius a Huge Success

On May 21, The Disabilities Leadership Council hosted Strokes of Genius in New York City. Strokes of Genius is an art show designed to exhibit the talents and work of autistic savants. The event was very successful; in the words of one of the event hosts, Dr. Rosa Martinez (above right), “Strokes of Genius was a huge success. I enjoyed meeting some of the artists and their families. Conversations were fascinating and the art was amazing!” The exhibition featured the work of 14 artists. The work ranged from drawings to oil paintings to sculpture. There was also a documentary film, “Sidecars,” starring artist Justin Canha and his student Lyndsley Wilkerson. The most featured artists were Dr. Temple Grandin, Stephen Wiltshire, and Ping Lian Yeak. Dr. Grandin is a professor of animal science at Colorado State University in addition to being an artist and has been featured on 20/20, Larry King Live, and in the New York Times. Mr. Wiltshire has done drawings of many major cities from the air and has his own gallery in London. Lastly, 15-year-old Ping Lian Yeak has generated a great deal of interest globally. He has been featured in exhibitions around the world and will preside over the opening of his own gallery in Malaysia this summer.

At the event, Strokes of Genius co-host and Disabilities Leadership Council Chairman Stuart Flaum (above left) presented Dr. Martinez with an award to recognize her continuing efforts to promote the artwork of autistic savants. Dr. Martinez organizes and curates art exhibitions across the United States to feature these artists, and has worked in the field of autism for 26 years. In the words of Chairman Flaum, “I can think of no one who has done more than Dr. Martinez to expand the possibilities for these artists. It was an absolute delight to host this wonderful exhibition and see the artwork, which was incredible. I hope that every event hosted by the Disabilities Leadership Council in the future is as successful as Strokes of Genius.” Of course, some of this success is due to the tireless work of Flaum, who works with many organizations to promote autism awareness. Not only does he chair the Council, but he also works as a financial strategist at the Special Needs Family Planning Group at AXA Advisors, LLC and is on the Planning and Advisory Board of the Devereux Glenholme School, a special needs boarding school in Washington, CT.

The Disabilities Leadership Council is continuing to work with Dr. Martinez to host other events to showcase the talents of autistic savant artists. More information on Strokes of Genius, including photos of the event and of some of the artwork, can be found at her website, http://www.rcmautismnotebook.com/. Information on future events hosted by the Disabilities Leadership Council will be posted here, on our blog, so keep logging in!