Artist: Oxana Dallas, 45, Canton

About the Artist
As a girl growing up, I often had feelings of loneliness and alienation. I thought I was different and preferred to spend time alone. However, in Soviet Russia, Autism was never discussed aloud nor was it recognized by the medical community. Even today there are so many children in Russia which suffer.

About the Artwork
I believe strongly that people with Autism have a special touch upon their lives. A light that shines through the blackness – an unseen Guardian illuminating the way.