FACING THE CHALLENGE : These Artists Have Overcome Autism, Cerebral Palsy and More to Tell Their Stories

Leon Fuller suffers from autism, a condition that makes simple conversation difficult. Expressing himself, something most of us take for granted, is frustrating.

But Fuller has found a way to let his ideas and feelings come out. He’s an artist.

His drawings, which are featured in “Outside/In: A View From the Studio” at the Fullerton Museum Center through June 5, combine imagery and written narratives to tell intricate, personal stories.

“This is remarkable because Leon is an artist who is not able to carry on a conversation,” said curator Lynn LaBate. “But you can see his work and understand his mind processes. He is recounting tales based on his life. It’s pure inspiration.”

Fuller is one of 30 men and women who have contributed nearly 150 drawings, prints, pastels and ceramics to the show. All of the artists are challenged by autism, mental retardation, cerebral palsy or epilepsy.

Their work came out of the First Street Gallery in Claremont, a social services program that LaBate said uses art as therapy and a way for the developmentally disabled to mainstream into society.

The purpose of the exhibit, she added, is to bring attention to First Street as a model for others interested in starting similar programs and to underscore the universality of creative expression. A sign above a series of photographs of the artists makes that clear: “To be ‘disabled’ is a false notion,” it declares. “In truth, everyone is differently abled.”

LaBate believes that this point becomes obvious as you wander through the exhibit.

“This is a pioneering effort, and you can see that. The art itself is very personal and rather exemplary.

“People go in with the idea that (what they see) will be primitive or childlike, but the nicest surprise is that it’s more than that. Some of it is childlike and primitive, but you’re also impressed by the astounding range of emotions and technique.”

Consider Fuller’s series of pencil, pen, ink and watercolor drawings--crudely rendered depictions of people in curious situations. LaBate noted that Fuller is an avid TV watcher and that his drawings sometimes portray moments from one of his favorite shows, “Beverly Hills, 90210.” They’re quirky and cuttingly amusing recollections, but LaBate stressed that the satiric tone is probably unintentional.

In another Fuller portrait, we meet Jeanne Alcorn, a somewhat harried-looking figure who, the artist informs us in a scrawled note, is ready to “go out on her crusade as an insurance saleswoman.”

And nearby are more works by Fuller. A drawing of three people in a domestic scene includes this enigmatic message: “Carol rushed to the kitchen with the milk and cookies, then Gail and Peter fainted.” An even more curious work finds Gail and Peter tied to a post, as if they’ve been tortured.

While Fuller uses text for expression, many of the other artists turn to dramatic colors and bold geometric designs. Jim Collins’ oil pastels capture landscapes, but in a repetitive manner: All are blockish, with sweeping hues layered on one another, broken up with small, abstract trees or other natural landmarks.

Helen Rae also employs bright colors, something that impressed LaBate.

“If Matisse would have seen her drawings, he would have remarked, ‘Ah, that is what I’m aiming for,’ ” LaBate said.

The show turns whimsical with the ceramics. A long, toylike train features 22 cars made by several members of the First Street program. Nearby are Michael LeVell’s miniature dining table (complete with plates of food) and a chest filled with books. John White’s comically misshapen sandwich, a BLT, includes side orders of green pickles and red french fries.

Jose del Rio’s crayon and marker drawings also catch the eye, in much the same way as Fuller’s. With folk art verve, they combine images of brilliantly plumed birds surrounded by concepts and attitudes apparently important to the artist.

Floating through his aviary are the words Respect and Honor and Peace and Intelligence , all penciled with great care.

* What: “Outside/In: A View from the Studio.”

* When: Through June 5. Hours are noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday; noon to 8 p.m. Thursday.

* Where: Fullerton Museum Center, 301 N. Pomona Ave., Fullerton.

* Whereabouts: Take the Riverside (91) Freeway to Harbor Boulevard and head north to Chapman Avenue. From Chapman, head east to Pomona Avenue, then make a right.

* Wherewithal: $2.50 for the general public; $2 for senior citizens, $1.50 for students, free for children under age 12.

* Where to call: (714) 738-6545.

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