Strokes of Genius: Trent Altman

Trent Altman’s painting was chosen to be on the United Nations Autism Awareness Stamp for 2012. I had the opportunity to see Trent’s work at the Strokes of Genius exhibit on April 2nd at the United Nations.

The colorful, layered paintings have an energy and excitement that is inspiring and uplifting. I used to say “if only a painting can look as good as the palatte.” Trent’s paintings do have this type of fresh and perfect feeling.

At the reception for the artists, Trent’s mother told the unbelievable story of how Trent started painting–she was looking for something to occupy him as an adult so she put a flyer on the bulletin board of a local art store asking if someone wanted to teach her adult son with autism to paint and someone responded to it and he started taking art lessons. It seems so amazing that if she hadn’t decided to hang a flyer up these paintings wouldn’t exist.

The story is a powerful testament that parents can help their children succeed in the world by never giving up on them–and exposing them to different experiences. Trent doesn’t speak much–but he is a gifted painter. And his paintings remind us of the beauty and perfection in every child and adult silently suffering from autism.

Visit Trent Altman’s website to learn more about Trent and his work. Strokes of Genius is a non profit organization that builds and supports the artistic talents of young artists who have been affected by autism. Visit there website Strokes of Genius: Extraordinary Artworks to learn more about a non-profit who is making a difference for artists with autism.