Wiley Johnson

Wild Fan

Wiley Johnson is a talented artist who has autism spectrum disorder. He lives alone, but doesn’t drive. He cannot live and work truly independently as an artist living with autism. Wiley has a dream that paintings will be his profession. He is only able to continue his dream through the support of his family and those who buy his art. Wiley’s Abstract Art, LLC is the entity used to manage and sell Wiley’s paintings.

Wiley has no formal art training, but started painting as a hobby approximately 2009. He enjoys painting acrylic on canvas, abstract style, but also likes painting on recycled materials and small wooden crafts. He has participated multiple times in the “Brushes with Life” art exhibition at NC Neurosciences Hospital in Chapel Hill and exhibited at a number of art galleries and events in the Raleigh, NC area over the years.

2020 was a year of transformation for Wiley from a hobbyist painter to an emerging artist. He had his first two solo exhibitions and had paintings accepted into 4 juried gallery group shows. He had his first solo exhibition in a gallery in 2021, was featured with one other artist at the opening of Charlotte Russell Contemporary Gallery in Raleigh, NC as well participated in 4 juried gallery group shows. He had paintings and other items accepted into the NC Museum of Art Museum Store as well as licensing agreements for large reproductions of several images. He is excited to begin 2022 exhibiting multiple paintings with 4 other artists at the Sertoma Arts Center in Raleigh, NC and to be accepted into the Academy of Special Dreams Foundation .

The Academy of Special Dreams Foundation is honored to welcome our Featured Artist Wiley Johnson! Welcome to the Academy Wiley! Your are a true inspiration in the world of arts. Congratulations.

Michael Dergar/Founder

Be part of Special Academy

Your support of the special needs community helps increase public awareness,
recognition and appreciation of the creative talents of people with disabilities by providing
opportunities to many Artists in your community.