ArtistsWithAutism Share Their Talents
September 3rd, 2011 - Fort Lauderdale, FL
12 ISSUE #268 • AUGUST 2011 page 12 WWW.DRWMAG.COM
by BETH SCHOTT
Communicating in the traditional sense has
always been a challenge for Brandon Drucker.
But with colored pencils, or paint in his hands,
the Fort Lauderdale man can express himself
in a way few others can only dream of. The
20-year-old man, who graduated from Coral
Springs High School, is one of the founding
members of Artists with Autism, a South
Florida networking group that just recently celebrated
its first anniversary.
The main goal of the group is to unite artists
with autism and other disabilities, and help
bring their talent to the community. Since they
were founded just over a year ago, members
have taken part in nearly a dozen art exhibits,
craft fairs, and disability expos. They have also
donated artwork for fundraising events for several
non-profit groups. Along the way they learn
business skills by seeing how to establish their
own micro-enterprises. They learn sales, pricing,
marketing and packaging, all of which not only
provides an income, but also fosters confidence
and self-esteem. It also provides a link to forming
new friendships and social skills.
Art as always been a central part of Brandon’s
life, even before he was diagnosed with
autism at age three. His parents saw early on
that drawing, particularly with colored pencils,
was his means of communication and an outlet
for expressing his ideas and thoughts.
Artists with Autism
was founded in
response to the reams
of drawings Brandon
has created over the
years, and to help let
him share his art. He
focuses mostly on 2-D
canvas or paper works,
using colored pencils.
Recently he has begun
to explore other mediums,
such as watercolor
and acrylics, after
learning from his fellow
artists.
Continually in motion,
Brandon has created
new languages,
and new places in his
made up world of
“Druckersville”, which
he features in many of
his works.
“It is an imaginary
city, complete with
businesses, schools,
and neighborhoods
mimicking the places and people he has met
throughout his lifetime, void of any problems,”
said his mother, Cynthia Drucker.
Though he struggles with traditional academics,
Brandon is also writing and illustrating
a story about a family with a child with autism,
based on his personal life experiences. His collection
of maps and foreign coins has enabled
him to learn about geography and cultures,
and he has taught himself to speak Spanish.
Brandon is also an active athlete with Special
Olympics Broward, and has won several medals
at many sports competitions at the regional
level. He competes in aquatics, and his favorite
Special Olympic sport is Alpine Ski.
Artists with Autism meets monthly as a way
to network and stay in touch with local art exhibits.
Membership is free and the artists retain
100% of the proceeds from their sales from local
exhibits and shows. If you would like to know
more about Artists with Autism please, visit
their website at www.ArtistsWithAutism.org,
email FLaGaL1106@yahoo.com or call
954.895.2786.
Here is a look at where their remaining
2011 exhibits will be held:
Aug 5, 7-9 p.m. : “The Sincerity Project,” Studio
18, 1101 Poinciana Drive, Pembroke Pines.
All art is made by residents with disabilities that
have interpreted the original artwork of the resident
studio artists.
Oct 22, 11-12 p.m. SugarSand Park,
300 S Military Trail, Boca Raton.
Nov 12, 1-4 p.m. Daggerwing Nature Center,
Boca Raton.
Dec 10, 5-8 p.m. Stage 84, 9118 W SR 84,
Davie.
Pictured – “Rainbow” by Brandon
Drucker of Artists with Autism