Okemos Artist Eric Staib's INNER-SELF Exhibition Opens Today at Wharton Center

Wharton Center is pleased to be present Okemos Elementary art teacher Eric Staib's first solo show titled "Inner-Self" today, June 21 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Wharton Center's Grand Foyer and Stoddard Grand Tier Lounge. The free exhibit depicts Staib's life, as well as numerous works based on a sequencing system he developed to accommodate his dyslexia.

Staib is an artist, musician, teacher, husband, father and also dyslexic. As a youth, he struggled in school and in the fifth grade was diagnosed with a learning disability. Staib says he felt ashamed and turned inwards. He was frustrated with reading and writing but began to channel his energy into art.

As a person living with dyslexia, Staib says he "learned to live his entire life viewing the world outside of the box". As an adolescent he believed his struggles with dyslexia were a curse, but as he matured he found the "curse" to be a blessing in disguise. "This outside of the box thinking gave me the opportunity to look at the world in ways that are full of color, pattern, texture and dimension." Creating art is not only a passion for Eric but a necessity.

In 2009 Staib partnered with Wharton Center on a collaboration called Eye for Broadway. His Okemos elementary art classes create artwork themed on Broadway shows which are then displayed at Wharton. In the spring of 2006, Eric was a recipient of the "Robert Rauschenberg Foundation, Power of Art" educators award. In May of 2012, Eric received a "League Educator Apple Award" given by The Broadway League.

Staib's life story is also featured in the College text book Reflect & Relate, by Professor Steven McCornack. He has been awarded the Commitment to Excellence Educator Award and serves as a keynote speaker for the Michigan Dyslexic Institute summer camp, as well as many other organizations.

Visit Eric's website.