Josh Martinez, Jr., is the featured artist for the month of December at Lehigh Regional Medical Center cafeteria, 1500 Lee Blvd, Lehigh Acres. He is a member of Arts of the Inland (AOI) and is a student from Clewiston.
At the age of 2 Joshua was diagnosed with autism and epilepsy. Even though Joshua has fought an uphill battle due to his disabilities, his education has not suffered. He has had a one-on-one aide since elementary school. Josh began creating abstract art his freshman year of high school. According to his mother Catalina, “Like a spring flower waiting to bloom he began to blossom.” The artwork expresses his feelings and emotions through a combination of colors and shapes. His parents helped him open a small art store, Art by Josh & More, where he can display his work, offer informative brochures and books on Autism and other disabilities. It’s a place where the community can gather to share their stories. Proceeds from the store go to a scholarship fund, The Art By Josh Scholarship, and a scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior that is interested in a career in Special Education or Art.
Stop in from December 5th until January 3rd, Monday – Friday from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m., to see this talented artist’s creative artwork at the Lehigh Regional Medical Center cafeteria at 1500 Lee Blvd., Lehigh Acres.
Arts of the Inland is a 501(c)3 public charity nonprofit umbrella arts organization with visual, literary and performing artists. For information contact LaVon Koenig at artsinland@gmail.com or 239-303-5849.
Congrats Josh!