2024 Academy of Special Dreams' Artists Artwork

About Academy of Special Dreams

The Academy’s mission is to increase public awareness, recognition and appreciation of the creative talents of people with disabilities by providing opportunities that encourage, promote and showcase their artistic expressions. Visit Academy of Special Dreams' Website to learn more.

A photograph of still water banked by rocks that reflects a blue sky and a green tree.

Basilio Alonzo

Rocky Waters, 2024

Size 15”x20”

My vision is to bring awareness to the world about my life and the challenges I face. As a photographer I love to create collections of nature and architecture from places I visit with my family.

Artwork Image Description: A photograph of still water banked by rocks that reflects a blue sky and a green tree.

A snail like form spouts waters vertically in a fountain. The fountain is in front of a mission style doorway with yellow walls covered in climbing vines.

Christian Tresierras

The Water Fountain, 2024

Size 15”x 20, acrylic on canvas

In his artistic journey, Christian Tresierras, and hailing from California, stands out as a committed creator celebrated for his dynamic and vivid paintings.

Artwork Image Description: A snail like form spouts waters vertically in a fountain. The fountain is in front of a mission style doorway with yellow walls covered in climbing vines.

Two large bright purple lilies with dark green leaves dominate the electric green background.

Federico Tresierras

Purple Lilies, 2024

Size 15”x 20, acrylic on canvas

Tresierras’ portfolio transcends mere paintings; it’s a testament to his profound connection with family, offering unwavering support to his younger brother and parents.

Artwork Image Description: Two large bright purple lilies with dark green leaves dominate the electric green backgound.

A black volcano is erupting fiery lava into smokey plumes of gray and white that shoot across the blue sky.

James Takhar

Eruption, 2024

Size 15”x 20, acrylic on canvas

James Takhar is a talented artist from California, known for his versatility in various mediums. He primarily works with acrylic on canvas, creating vibrant and expressive pieces.

Artwork Image Description: A black volcano is erupting firery lava into smokey plumes of gray and white that shoot accross the blue sky.

A cloud in the sky frames a man wearing a ball cap and a blue button-down shirt. He has brindled feather wings and is holding an open box of water. A tree is growing out of the box. He looks up at the branches holding two tiny, colorful houses with smoking chimneys. The bottom corners have a steeple: one is round and modern, and the other is gothic and peaked.

Santiago López

Rooted in Two Worlds, 2023

Size 16”x 22 Cardboard, Acrylic paint, Watercolor & Digital media

Living beside the ocean in downtown San Diego, you can really feel the coastal energy. On weekends, my dad and I would hop on our bikes and take a ferry ride to Coronado Island. For this image I wanted to use a cherished birdhouse built from cardboard I made as a child. Using digital tools I merged this artifact of my past into a narrative illustration to communicate the magic of duality.

Artwork Image Description: A cloud in the sky frames a man wearing a ball cap and a blue button-down shirt. He has brindled feather wings and is holding an open box of water. A tree is growing out of the box. He looks up at the branches holding two tiny, colorful houses with smoking chimneys. The bottom corners have a steeple: one is round and modern, and the other is gothic and peaked.