Collection: Michael Dergar

Michael Dergar is a visual artist based in Pasadena, California, whose life and work are guided by a deep commitment to inclusion, dignity, and public awareness for people with disabilities. Through both his art and advocacy, Dergar seeks to help create a more compassionate and equitable society—one in which all individuals are recognized for their talents and humanity.

Born in Mexico and raised in a humble community on the outskirts of Mazatlán, Dergar grew up with a neurological condition that left him unable to walk without pain. As a child, he faced daily physical barriers and social exclusion—experiences that revealed how often people with disabilities are marginalized by both infrastructure and attitudes. Teased by peers and excluded from outdoor play, he became acutely aware of the challenges that “able-bodied” society often takes for granted.

With the support of his family and an unwavering sense of self-determination, Dergar eventually overcame his condition and regained the ability to walk without pain. This formative period shaped his worldview profoundly. Financial hardship and limited resources taught him resilience, instilling the belief that dreams are achieved through persistence, hope, and hard work—regardless of circumstance or disability.

In 2008, Dergar moved to the United States in search of greater opportunity. While working as a Youth Program Manager for a nonprofit organization in Pasadena, he developed a deep understanding of community service, education, and nonprofit leadership. As an educator by profession, he discovered that giving back was not only a calling, but a responsibility. This path ultimately led him to found the Academy of Special Dreams Foundation, an organization dedicated to recognizing, supporting, and promoting artists within the special needs community.

As Founder and CEO, Dergar embodies the foundation’s mission: to create platforms where artists with disabilities are seen, celebrated, and valued. The Academy of Special Dreams works to counter discrimination through visibility, education, and opportunity—affirming that physical or mental disabilities should never diminish one’s right to full participation in society or the arts.

Parallel to his advocacy, Dergar maintains an active visual art practice. His “PERVAZ” collection, Emotions explores freedom, equality, and the inner life of the human spirit. Through expressive use of color and texture, his paintings reflect the relationship between physical form, emotional experience, and the universal search for meaning.

Michael Dergar’s artwork can be found in private collections internationally, and his work has been exhibited in academic and exclusive venues, including UCLA. Whether supporting artists within the special needs community or creating work for private collectors, Dergar continues to bridge art and activism—using creativity as a force for awareness, inclusion, and hope.