About Trent Altman
Trent’s Bio
Altman is an abstract, expressionistic artist who creates with brilliant color and texture on canvases. His honors include the art design of the United Nations Autism Awareness Stamp, 2012, UNITED NATIONS AWARD WINNING ARTIST of THE AUTISM AWARENESS STAMP, 2012, McCarton Foundation NYC Artist Award Honoree, and Kentucky Education Television (KET) documentary, An Art for Expression, about Trent Altman’s art making.
Artist Highlights and Art Honors, 2003-2013
2012 UNITED NATIONS AWARD WINNING ARTIST of THE AUTISM AWARENESS STAMP. Altman’s image Abstract Garden II was chosen for a stamp. He was one of two artists chosen from the U.S. A series of postage stamps were launched in honor of World Autism Awareness Day. U.N. Postal Administration, printed 1 million of the stamps.
2012 Altman with other artists were honored at a ceremony held at the UN Headquarters in New York. The UN Secretary- General Ban Ki-Moon dedicated the Autism Awareness stamps for World Autism Awareness Day at the Autism Speaks Panel discussion.
2013 Kentucky Education Television (KET), Valerie Trimble produced documentary, An Art for Expression, about Trent Altman’s art making.
2012 Honoree of the McCarton Foundation NYC, Genius of Autism Event & and exhibitor with with world re-known artist Steven Wiltshire at the Edison Ballroom.
2012-present. Trent is friends with world re-known artist Wyland. Wyland has one of Trent Altman’s paintings. “Your artwork is very inspiring and I am proud of you.” Good luck in your effort to get you art featured in galleries across the US.” Wyland.
2012- Strokes of Genius Group Art Show- United Nations Building, April 1, 2012.
Trent receives web site sales from art collectors in the U.S. and around the world, Canada, UK, Japan, and Malaysia.
Altman has published artwork in two books: The Art of Autism: Shifting Perceptions, 2012 and The Art of Autism- Shattering Seven Myths of Autism through the Voices and Art of Those on the Spectrum 2010. Altman is a member of the Kentucky Arts Council where he received the Derby Award in the First Lady’s Office Exhibition, 2010 and two award grants in 2012 and 2009. In 2009, Altman was awarded honorable mention at Crocker Park Juried Art Show, in Cleveland. He was part of a cooperative art gallery, Gallery 10 Seventy, at Mellwood Arts and Entertainment Center, Louisville, KY, in 2008-2009. Altman currently exhibits and sells his artwork on his website: trentsstudio.com
Altman has numerous publications written about his art and his art awards: The Examiner in Santa Barbara, CA The United Nations Autism Awareness Stamps for World Autism Day, author, Debbie Hosseini, April 2, 2012; Chicago Now, Trent Altman Dazzles Chicago With His Art: A Celebration of Trent Altman: Exceptional Artist with Soul, author Kersten Rojas, 2010, July; The Courier Journal, Artist’s work chosen for stamp, author, White, 2012; The Courier Journal, Autistic, but So Artistic: published on May 11, 2011 and ran nationally in the Gannet newspapers, 2011, author, White; Autism File Magazine, Recovering Emotional Well-Being through Art Making: for Teens and Young Adults with ASD, author Jackie M. Marquette Ph.D. 2010; and the Courier-Journal, The final stretch, author Burba, 2005; The Courier-Journal– Autistic artist discovered a love of acrylic, author Ritchie, 2004. Additionally, Altman has publications about his art in numerous disability newsletters in Kentucky.
Altman has participated in numerous group shows: Strokes of Genius Art Show, NYC, 2012, 2011, The Louisville Visual Arts Association Art Auction, 2011, Inspire Art Gallery, Chicago, 2005, The Kentucky Center, 2006, 2007, 2009; Three Art Avenue exhibitions, 2009-2010, Six Kentucky Crafted Fine Art Show, 2006-2011, Bourbon Ball Fundraiser, 2005, APW Gallery World of Imagination, Long Island, 2009, Expressions of True Colors, the Winnery, 2005, 2006., Oscar Brown Art Gallery, Louisville, KY., 2004, and LionheART Gallery, Louisville, KY, 2004-2008.
Altman has also had several solo art exhibits; STAR, University of Louisville, Garden Party Fundraiser for autism, 2005 and 2006, and LionHeart Gallery, 2004-2005.
Altman has commissioned his art for: Goodwill Industries of KY for 1400 birthday cards for employees, vendors, and board members, 2011; University of Louisville Autism Center at Kosair Charities where15 pieces of artwork was purchased for the new Autism Center, 2011; Crisis and Prevention Institute (CPI), an international company, logo, ‘Time For Peace’ art work on poster and brochures 2008-2009; Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), four artwork images, one for each quarterly study guide on the cover of The Present Word Adult Bible Study, 2006-2007.
Altman has collaborated with musician Michael Fess, The Stunning Art of Trent Altman II: An Artful Music Meditation DVD 2006, and The Rhythmic Arts Project, CD, album cover artwork, Gifted Artists Records, Carpinteria, CA founded by Eddie Tuduri, 2005.
Altman has participated in nearly 50 juried art shows. Additionally, Altman has been an invited guest artist to AutismOne Conference, Chicago each year from 2002-2012.
Altman has donated original paintings and canvas prints to numerous national autism organizations 2002- 2012, Kosair Charities, 2009, Ridgewood Baptist Church, a new logo, ‘Good Morning God’ art work on an outdoor banner and stationary, and Long Island Autism Conference, Image of ‘Life Love Explosion’ printed on front cover of book, 2010.
To contact Trent Altman, for a commissioned piece, art exhibit, or to make a purchase call 502.417.6063.
Altman’s Artist Statement
Trent paints expressionistic abstract pieces in acrylics and mixed media collages on canvas. His work displays an emphasis and commitment to the PROCESS of art making over and above the PRODUCT. Experiencing his work makes that abundantly clear. You can sense a freedom of expression, movement, energy and drive through the multiple methods of applying paint and collage materials. With each piece he discovers, explores and ultimately shares layers and avenues of moods and emotions. The viewer of the work is encouraged, and perhaps can’t help, but be drawn into the wonder of the how, what and WHY of the process that brought the piece to life. For Trent this process rises above all else as making art nurtures his mind, heart, and soul – reaching within himself and sharing with others – through the process.
Making art has provided Trent connections to peers and friendships, as well as enable Trent to live life with increased independence. Trent is a wonderful example of how someone who has autism has met the challenges to live a full life, both employed at a retail store, and as an artist. Trent lives with a friend who is also his mentor. Trent lives in Louisville, KY. To learn more about transitioning into life goals and creating individualized supports, go to www.independencebound.com
