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 won’t drive a car.

It is through her art that she has learned to connect more to the world around her. Marcy’s 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.

Her art is currently on display at Yelm City Hall in the Mayor’s office, Yelm Chamber of Commerce, Yelm Library, Yelm Family Medicine, and Loft Gallery in Olympia. She has had art displayed at the Thurston County Juvenile Courthouse, Schaffer Gallery, and St. Martins Art Gallery. She has appeared in numerous newspaper articles, as well as in Bird Talk magazine. She is going to be in the future issue of Autism Spectrum magazine.

As an adult dealing with autism, Marcy also deals with the severe stress and anxiety that plague other adults with this disorder. The severity of the stress has caused depression and even schizophrenic-like symptoms. However, despite this setback, Marcy moves forward, finding that not only does her art help her relax, but it helps heal as well.

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 Marcy’s 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.

Marcy’s artistic journey is an inspiring one and gives hope to parents of other autistic children.