Shining a Light, a Celebration of Dyslexic Artists

For years people with dyslexia have been regarded as stupid or disabled. There is, however, a direct correlation between dyslexia and artistic ability. This page is here to celebrate the positive aspects of our condition and to provide information and inspiration to dyslexics everywhere.

"The first step in gaining acceptance and changing the attitudes of the general public is to stop denying that we are different" -- Ed Paker.

"It is becoming increasingly clear that we are moving from a world of words to a world of images. This transition promises to change everything - including our ideas about what is worth learning, what is worth doing, who is intelligent and who is gifted and talented" -- Tom West, author of In The Mind's Eye

This page is not to represent one artist, or even one style of art. It is, rather, a sampling of the diverse ways in which the gift of dyslexia manifests itself. The same differences in our brain's function that cause us to have trouble reading and writing seem to give us superior creativity and the ability to visualize three-dimensional and abstract concepts and spatial relationships with uncanny clarity.

The Shining a Light exhibit will be opening for the first time At the Fallbrook Art and Cultural Center from 06-16 February, 2002. This will be a wonderful opportunity to see the works of art first hand, meet and speak with the artists and learn more about Dyslexia and Attention Deficit Disorder.

Contact the National Dyslexia Research Foundation:
Gloria and Stoney DeMent, Literacy Directors, (760) 751-1127
Joan McNichols, Outreach Services Director, (949) 642-7303
Ed Paker, dyslexic artist and show co-ordinator, (619) 589-6959 for more information Email Ed Paker