Our Story
Our Founder
Our Founder
Our Founder
Cynthia Drucker is a native of Florida She spent her high school years in Central Florida where she helped her mother raise horses and many small farm animals. She relocated to Miami in the 1980’s where she married and had two sons. Cynthia was a full time working mother when her second son, Brandon was born in 1991 and diagnosed with
Cynthia Drucker is a native of Florida She spent her high school years in Central Florida where she helped her mother raise horses and many small farm animals. She relocated to Miami in the 1980’s where she married and had two sons. Cynthia was a full time working mother when her second son, Brandon was born in 1991 and diagnosed with classic severe autism when he was three years old. When Brandon turned 18, Cynthia formed a social group for teens with autism out of a need for her son to meet others who accept him and form friendships. Cynthia stepped down as the Organizer of the Fort Lauderdale Aspergers Group in 2022 after 12 year years of creating monthly events helping those with social anxiety/aspergers.
As Brandon aged out of the public school system, he attempted relentlessly to be employed. Cynthia focused on her sons talent as a self-taught artist that would become the main idea that would eventually evolve into the business plan for Artists With Autism Inc.
Our Story
Our Founder
Our Founder
In May 2012, Artists With Autism, Inc was Founded as a not for profit with four members ranging in age 16 – 26 based out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
During the first two and half years, the four “founding members” shared a booth or table at local venues such as outdoor farmers’ markets, craft fairs, and church bazaars selling their
In May 2012, Artists With Autism, Inc was Founded as a not for profit with four members ranging in age 16 – 26 based out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
During the first two and half years, the four “founding members” shared a booth or table at local venues such as outdoor farmers’ markets, craft fairs, and church bazaars selling their artwork and learning the basics of building an art business. As a group, we exhibited on a monthly basis at local galleries, nature centers, universities, book stores, assorted festivals and sidewalk pop ups. Those first experiences interacting with the public would prepare the artists to learn how to manage and maintain the first retail consignment art gallery ever run and maintained by artists with autism for artists with autism. On January 16, 2015 The Artists with Autism Gallery and Gift Boutique opened for business at the Festiva Marketplace in Pompano Beach, Florida. It is the only gallery of its kind and has helped individuals with special needs gain work experience and learn interaction with customers in a live retail environment. The artists learn basics of math with money exchange, customer relations, professionalism and inventory management. The artists are assessed for vocational readiness after a standard set of hours has been observed and are measured in areas of accounting, time management, safety, work performance, ability to adapt and other areas of importance needed for self-employment and other vocations. The artists are encouraged and expected to maintain their own micro-enterprise business with a developed Support Team.
Our Purpose
Our Founder
Our Purpose
The Autism Art Gallery located inside the Festival Flea Market opened on January 16, 2015 until the doors will be permanently closed on May 31, 2025. We have been very fortunate and blessed to have the Festival Flea Marketplace sponsor our space for those 10 years.
This experience has allowed us to provide a free space to aspiring ar
The Autism Art Gallery located inside the Festival Flea Market opened on January 16, 2015 until the doors will be permanently closed on May 31, 2025. We have been very fortunate and blessed to have the Festival Flea Marketplace sponsor our space for those 10 years.
This experience has allowed us to provide a free space to aspiring artists with autism
learn life changing skills as an artist entrepreneur and as an individual with autism.
Artists With Autism Inc has managed to create a social venture that is not only providing an income for those individuals who have not been able to gain traditional employment, but is also making an impact in the community by dismissing many of the myths about autism. The Autism Art Gallery and Gift Boutique provided their first platform needed for their art business start-up, and gave them an opportunity to engage with the world on a topic they have created and understand.
The initiative that Artists with Autism, Inc has created with the Gallery helped to PROMOTE AND INCREASE THE POTENTIAL of individuals with autism and helping to support the idea that Supported Self-employment is a very viable alternative.
Artists With Autism Inc continues to evolve as it has had to adapt to COVID, and the economy, and will continue to evolve as we seek our next initiative.
Our mission Statement:
"Promoting Micro-enterprising,
Providing Opportunities,
Creating Independence"
Founding Member Artists
Brandon Drucker
Jayson Halberstadt
Jayson Halberstadt
Brandon J. Drucker was born in Miami Beach, Florida in 1991. He was diagnosed with autism at 3 and became a professional artist at 18. His art is mostly acrylic and can be described as whimsical Fauvism and is often imaginary animals and places. For Brandon, creating art means exploring the familiar and unknown as observed in his popular series, Combo Cities, Combo Animals, and Combo Languages. His first book (2014) “Diary of An Autistic Kid, typical random thoughts of a not so typical kid” was written and illustrated when he was 23 and is a collection of his personal experiences of his struggles with relationships and the behaviors that are often seen as a manifestation of autism. His online gallery offers print on demand. Brandon also keeps a collection of original artworks available at the Brass Armadillo Antique Store in Goodyear, Arizona. He can be reached at brandondruckerart.com
Jayson Halberstadt
Jayson Halberstadt
Jayson Halberstadt
Jayson Halberstadt was diagnosed with autism/aspergers at 5. Jayson is is a Graphic Designer and Animator. He has studied cartooning under former Disney animator, Al Baruch. His art is mostly digital and has been shown in several local business’ and galleries, as well as The SOHO Gallery for Digital Art in NYC and the Philadelphia Zoo. Jaysons artwork has received recognition from some of his heroes such as Derek Jeter of the New York Yankees and Geddy Lee from the band Rush. His artwork has been published in Virge magazine, Asperkids Coloring book, and Uncommon Minds Poetry book. See more of his art HERE
Joseph Michael Vidal
Michael was diagnosed with autism at age three. His art is mostly acrylic and digital design. He was born in Arlington, Virginia and moved to Florida when he was seven. He demonstrated a natural talent for art at a young age as he was homeschooled by his mother and was guided to pursue his dreams inspired by the late Disney artist, Al Baruch. He attained his degree in Graphic Design from Broward College and a BA in Studio Design from FAU. Michael currently works as a freelance artist creating logos, illustrations, and magazine covers.
Andres Pola
Andres was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and diagnosed with Autism at the age of 7. At that time, he was non-verbal, and severely delayed in both academic and social functioning. Since then, with the support of great teachers and family, he has made amazing progress in all areas. His art style is mostly Anime Art and Cartooning. Andres is an advocate for young people with Autism, and has received the Just Do It Award for his example of leadership. He is the illustrator of “What’s Wrong with Papa? (available on Amazon) a book about his life.