Marcy Deutsch,
of Critters on Things.com

One of the delights that this writer and his wife experienced at last week’s 1st annual McKenna Fest were the local community crafts makers, some of whom we met and discovered for the very first time. One of the highlights of our day was our encounter with Marcy Deutsch and her booth manager mother, Robin.

“Marcy Deutsch is a 25 year old autistic artist who considers Yelm, Washington her home. At 5, Marcy was first diagnosed with moderate high functioning autism and given a bleak outlook by the doctors. Despite all the odds piled against her, she graduated Pierce College in Lakewood, Washington with a 3.7 grade point average. She also learned to fly planes, even though she wont drive a car.

It is through her art that she has learned to connect more to the world around her. Marcys style is unique and many feel that her exquisite artwork captures the very soul of the animals she draws.

She was the winner of the 2008 Yelm Arts Walk poster contest. She has also participated in the Olympia Arts Walk, where her incredible art received the praise of all who saw it…

What is incredible is that as a young child, Marcy rarely drew, and only if she had to. It was only when a school project required all the kids to draw their favorite pet or animal that Marcy drew Tiny, her green-winged macaw. It was then that everyone realized what an incredible talent she had. Teachers in awe were amazed at her artistic rendition of the bird and contacted Marcys parents to let them know about this savant like talent. Immediately, Marcy started taking private art lessons, honing her talents. Marcy is skilled in many different medium, including color pencils, oils, pastels, and watercolors.

Marcys artistic journey is an inspiring one and gives hope to parents of other autistic children,” quoting Marcy’s website, Critters on Things.

Marcy’s mother Robin is “the author of The Healthy Bird Cookbook and/Click That Does The Trick, and has over 28 years of experience with Parrots.”

TELL ROBIN AND MARCY YOU READ ABOUT THEM ON THE YELM COMMUNITY BLOG WHEN PLACING YOUR ORDERS!