Abstract and Mixed Media Art, Prints and cards inspired by my journey with Autism
Derrick Freeman is a self-taught artist diagnosed with Autism, a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired verbal and non-verbal communication. By age two, he was completely non-verbal and was unable to learn and use language like most children his age. By age three, art became his only form of communication. He learned to express his perceptions of life and everyday living through his drawings and artwork. Each piece of art tells the story of his journey with Autism. Derrick has exhibited his artwork at the Tennessee Governor’s Mansion, Vanderbilt University, Lipscomb University, the Tennessee Disability Mega Conference and the Frist Museum of Art. Most recently, he was the featured artist at Ernie Els Center for Excellence in Jupiter, Florida. In addition, he has been the recipient of several awards for his community advocacy work for the Autism community including: the Ann & Steve Bailey Artist Grant, the Arc of the Mid-South’s Outstanding Artist and Performer Award and the Future Horizons Inc’s Dr. Temple Grandin Award for Outstanding Success.
