Founder of the Academy of Special Dreams has been fighting for the rights of people with special needs for 10 years
Michael Dergar, the plastic artist and social fighter for the inclusion of people with special needs, based in Los Angeles, received in Oaxaca the Golden Scroll to the merit Andrés Henestrosa that delivers every year the National Association of Broadcasters of Mexico A.C., and other organizations.
“I feel very honored because I am not from Oaxaca and I live in the United States; and that my work is recognized in a land of artists, motivates me more to continue planting the seed of inclusion to raise awareness and educate about the community with disabilities, ”said Dergar who admitted returning to Los Angeles with great motivation to Grow the foundation of the Academy of Special Dreams, whose mission is to help artists with disabilities achieve their dreams in art and be included in our society.
“Unfortunately in Mexico we are very late in terms of services for people with disabilities. That is why for me it is very important that our society be educated about this community that wants to be a participant and have the same rights. There is a lot of disrespect for this population when we all have to be included, ”he said.
And he added that Oaxaca was the first Mexican state that opened the doors to expose his art, and dedicate half of his profits to the community with special needs.
“My mission to have an exhibition last year in Oaxaca with the support of the Oaxaca organization SONRYEE founded by the artist Marú Pombo, was to plant the seed of inclusion and raise awareness that because of fear of art, talent can be recognized, ”he said.
Originally from Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Dergar has been based in Los Angeles since 1998 when he emigrated to the United States in search of a better life. In 2010, he created the Academy of Special Dreams which is formed with volunteers.
With his motto "I paint to help", Dergar is an impressionist artist of modern art who has created a movement of inclusion in art for the community with disabilities. On January 11, he received the highest prize that Oaxaca delivers to his people, the Gold Scroll to Merit Andrés Henestrosa in the Macedonio Alcalá theater located in the historic center of Oaxaca in a ceremony where he had as witnesses many members of the community with disabilities for which he advocates. He took the opportunity to donate three wheelchairs to Oaxacans.
The award was given one day after the death of the Oaxacan poet, writer and politician Andrés Henestrosa was commemorated.
In addition to dedicating himself to art, he has been working in the field of education in the Alhambra School District for 20 years. He has made more than 60 events and exhibitions of professional art.
"I know what it feels like to be discriminated against by not being able to walk because of a condition I had as a child. Thank God here I am putting a grain of sand to help and bring awareness that we have the same dreams and aspirations as anyone. My message is that you don't need to be rich or famous to help our brothers. Being aware, shaking hands, a little of your time, a smile or a greeting can change our lives, ”he said.
