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.
Alejandro Mojia
Mojica Collection, 2008
Mixed Media, Size 21”x32”
With a career that spans borders and hearts, Mojica stands as an international artist of distinction. Beyond the canvas, his soul resonates with music—a family passion passed through generations. His art is currently showcased in Canada and Brazil.
Artwork Image Description: There is an abstract figure made up of multi-edge shards in black, red, and yellow. It is sandwiched between sky-blue and a central yellow background.
Axel Galvan Barraza
Lorena Ramirez, 2025
Acrylics and Mixed Media on Canvas, Size 10”x12”
Axel offers a glimpse into his unique perspective and his ongoing journey of self-expression through visual art.
Artwork Image Description: A tan woman draped in a red cloak trimmed in yellow with her head turned back over her shoulder with her black hair pulled into a low ponytail.
Basilio Alonzo
La Cupulas (The Copulas), 2023
Picture Print on Vinyl, Size 21”x32”
Through the Academy I get to express my artistic talents in photography. Photography is my passion because it allows me to express myself in a way that words can’t.
Artwork Image Description: A photograph captures the bold and dark silhouette of the Spanish Renaissance style and neo-Gothic spires of the Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady, located in Centro, Guadalajara, Mexico.
Christian Tresierras
Golden Sunset, 2025
Acrylics on Canvas, Size 20”x30”
Christian Tresierras, and hailing from California, stands out as a committed creator celebrated for his dynamic and vivid paintings.
Artwork Image Description: A circular sun is dropping from the top of the painting past swatches of orange, yellow and brown shades.
Federico Tresierras
Pink Sunset, 2025
Acrylics and Mixed Media on Canvas, Size 20”x30”
Embarking on his artistic journey, Federico Tresierras, a native of California, distinguishes himself as a dedicated creator celebrated for his serene depictions of boats, hills and lighthouses.
Artwork Image Description: The flaming sun in the corner is setting through a pink sky to the rolling brown and orange hills. At the center there is tall flowering cactus with multi-colored paddles of green, pink, brown and purple.
Gabriel Miranda
Golden, 2025
Mixed Media, Size 15”x19”
Miranda’s art work represents the beauty of nature in California. His mission in life is to empower artists and to support the mission of incluison in the arts.
Artwork Image Description: California quails in a field of California poppie . A quail with wings pulled back is landing in the center of the field.
James Takhar
Winter Forest, 2025
Acrylics and Mixed Media on Canvas, Size 30”x30”
James Takhar blends his creativity with the beauty of nature. With a deep love for trees and open spaces, his artwork reflects themes of freedom and the vibrancy of life.
Artwork Image Description: On stark white peaked mountains covered in snow all black conifers rise sharply.
Janine Olshefski
The Elephant, 2025
Charcoal Stick Print on Vinyl, Size 21”x32”
Whether I am holding a charcoal stick, a colored pencil or a paint brush, art has always been there for me.
Artwork Image Description: A realistic and detailed image of an elephant in greys, black, white. The elephant ear, head, tusk, and trunk dominate two thirds of the image.
Martha Olivas Torres
Admira lo Bello de la Profundidad (Behold the Beauty of the Deep), 2025
Mixed Media, Size 20”x20”
Martha paints using her mouth! Recently earning a Master’s degree in Business, she is passionate about continuing her career in the arts. Inspired by nature, she creates beautiful works that remind us of all we have to be thankful for
Artwork Image Description: An orange-brown sea horse in profile is the central figure in a dark seascape.
William Lee
Dancing Colors, 2025
Acrylics on Canvas, Size 30"x30"
William Lee has developed a powerful collection of his artwork as part of his daily art therapy, helping him cope with the challenges of autism. Through art, he has found a meaningful way to express himself. "We are very proud to support emerging artists like William Lee", said Michael Dergar.
Artwork Image Description: A pattern of alternating red and yellow round paint splotches with intersecting lines.
Yuniva Barraza
Kanamuri, 2024
Acrylics and Mixed Media on Canvas, Size 14”x20”
Yuniva Barraza is a talented inclusive artist who represents diversity and inclusion through her work. Her passion for art is driven by a desire to contribute to our communities and inspire meaningful, inclusive change.
Artwork Image Description: A portrait of an indigenous Latino person with a strong gaze forward. Yellow paint covers their hair and surrounds their face. The shoulders and chest are wrapped in chevron print in multiple rows of yellow borders and red flowers on black background trimmed with orange, brown, white, and red triangles.