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Treffert Lecture Series To Feature Savant Artist
The 10th annual Marian University Treffert Lecture Series will present “Strokes of Genius: The Talented Savant,” from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Monday, April 3 at the Marian University Stayer Center, 45 S. National Avenue, Fond du Lac.
Darold Treffert, MD, a world-renowned autism and savant syndrome expert, will offer opening comments about savant syndrome overall, followed by Rosa C. Martinez, PhD, BCBA-D, Strokes of Genius, Inc. president and founder.
Strokes of Genius educates and empowers individuals with an autism spectrum disorder by promoting the abilities in contrast to the disabilities. Strokes of Genius builds and supports artistic talents through the provision of educational art studio experiences and workshops to further expand opportunities toward inclusion and independence as a vehicle for the individual’s livelihood. Dr. Martinez will describe how to approach, empower and maximize savant art ability, or any other special abilities or gifts, once they surface in the individual.
Ping Lian Yeak’s artwork will be on display, and he will be creating art during the presentation itself and his stay in Fond du Lac. His mother, Sarah S.H. Lee, will share comments, as well as describing her journey with her gifted son as described in her just released book “I Want to Be An Artist.” Both were the initial inspiration for the creation of Strokes of Genius and the Train the Talent℠ Art Studio Program.
Ping Lian Yeak was part of the very popular “Windows of Genius” savant art exhibit in Fond du Lac in 2007. He comes to the Treffert Center from his home in Sydney, Australia following the exhibition of his work at the prestigious Agora Gallery in New York City.
The presentation will begin at 7 p.m. Cost is $5 per person. All Marian University students are free with student identification. Interested individuals can register at treffertcenter.com.
Then on Tuesday, April 4, individuals are invited to join Agnesian HealthCare for a continuation of the series with “Art Therapy: When Words Don’t Work!” The event is set from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the St. Agnes Hospital Plaza Level Conference Center, 430 E. Division Street, Fond du Lac. Cost is $5 per person.
Art expression can be therapeutic and healing to all. Drs. Treffert and Martinez will join Agnesian HealthCare behavioral health art therapists – Sara Drake-Ricart, ATR, LPC-IT, and Lynn Genz, ATR-LPC-IT.
Seating is limited at both sessions. Reserve a seat today.
The series is sponsored by Marian University School of Education, Alpha Delta Theta Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi-International Honor Society and Agnesian HealthCare.