Thirty-four-year-old Charles Lenny Lunn, a non-speaking autistic artist from Bethesda, is communicating publicly for the first time through his art. His solo exhibit "Nonsense and Hopeful Songs, My Inner Fight to be Heard" opens May 17, 2025, at Lost Origins Gallery, 3110 Mt Pleasant Street NW, 2nd Floor in Washington, DC.
“I now can share exactly my thoughts. Getting a diligently not mindful world to listen is another story.” – Artist Charles Lenny Lunn
Charles has developmental delays, apraxia, speech and other neurological and behavioral symptoms. He does not speak, but he has a lot to share about mainstream definitions of communication and the art of what’s possible in his world.
His exhibit features bold and bright acrylics on canvas. Each painting is paired with a profound message or poem he created by spelling using a letterboard with the support of a Communication Partner.
Charles and his mother are working with Drexel University to do clinical testing on (fingerboard) spelling in hopes of increasing funding and access for nonspeaking individuals.
Through his work and advocacy, Charles shares his thoughts on the world, redefines self expression, and challenges people to open their minds to the many ways non speaking individuals are communicating - whether they understand it or not.