Life & Work with Michael Dergar of Pasadena, Ca

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Dergar.

Hi Michael , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Sure! My journey really started with a love for art and a passion for helping others. Growing up, I always felt that art was a powerful way to express feelings and connect with people—especially when words weren’t enough. Over time, that creative drive turned into something much bigger.

As I developed my style and started exhibiting my work, I realized I wanted to use my art to make a difference. That’s what led me to found The Academy of Special Dreams Foundation—a nonprofit that gives artists with disabilities a platform to share their work and be seen and celebrated. It’s all about inclusion, breaking down barriers, and showing the world the talent and strength within these communities.

Now, I’m honored to be an international artist, showing my work around the world and using every opportunity to uplift others. Whether it’s through exhibitions, speaking, or working with communities, I’m driven by the belief that art can truly change lives. It’s been a long journey, but every step has been worth it.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey hasn’t always been easy. Coming from humble beginnings and as an immigrant, I faced challenges breaking into the art world and being taken seriously. Resources were limited, and there were times I felt overlooked or misunderstood.

Starting The Academy of Special Dreams Foundation was another uphill climb—fighting for inclusion in spaces where disability art wasn’t always valued or represented. But every obstacle fueled my determination. Those struggles shaped my voice, my mission, and my commitment to creating opportunities for others who face similar barriers.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As an abstract artist, my work is a reflection of emotion, culture, and the unseen layers of the human experience. I’m known for my bold use of color and, most distinctly, for my signature textures that bring each piece to life. Every brushstroke, every layer, is intentional—it’s not just about what you see, but what you feel when you stand in front of one of my works.

My unique style has evolved over the years into a language of its own. I use texture to add depth and movement, inviting viewers to not only look but to connect emotionally. My Mexican roots play a strong role in the energy of my work, infusing it with passion, heritage, and a celebration of identity.

I’m incredibly proud that my art has resonated with audiences internationally, but even more so that it’s made an impact beyond the canvas. Through The Academy of Special Dreams, I’ve had the honor of supporting and showcasing artists with disabilities—bringing more inclusion and diversity into the art world.

What sets me apart is my commitment to using abstract art as a form of storytelling. My textures speak for those who are often unheard, and my mission goes beyond galleries—it’s about opening minds and creating space for everyone’s story to be seen and felt.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
For me, taking risks has always been part of the journey—both as an artist and as a humanitarian. I believe that growth, creativity, and change all live on the other side of fear. You can’t build something meaningful without stepping into the unknown.

One of the biggest risks I took was founding The Academy of Special Dreams Foundation. At the time, I didn’t have all the resources, connections, or guarantees—but I had a vision and a deep belief in the importance of inclusion. It was a leap of faith to create a space that challenged norms and elevated voices often left out of the conversation. And that leap changed my life—and the lives of so many artists we now support.

As an artist, every new piece is also a kind of risk. I’m constantly pushing boundaries with texture, color, and emotion—sharing vulnerable parts of myself and hoping they resonate. But I’ve learned that risk is where the magic happens. It’s where we grow, where we break through limits, and where we find purpose.

I don’t see risk as something to fear—I see it as something to embrace when it’s driven by passion and a meaningful cause. Thank you JJRiiz for incondicional love and support!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.michaeldergar.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaeldergar
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michaeldergar

Image Credits
Dory Perdomo Director of Centro Cultural BAUPRES and Jerry J Ruiz Co Founder of The Academy of Special Dreams Foundation. Michael Dergar