Ventura County Athlete Artists

Special Olympics Ventura County is pleased to offer art cards produced from the original artwork of two of our most talented artists. 

These beautiful cards are offered for every day correspondence, holiday use, and Valentine’s Day wishes.

Special Olympics athlete, Michael Bluechel, is 26 years old and has participated in Special Olympics for about 15 years.  He enjoys playing basketball, bowling, and volleyball. A life-long artist, Michael has already won many awards and has been featured in articles in the Ventura County Star and other publications across the United States.  He also offers a calendar, details of which can be obtained by calling the Ventura County office at 805.650.7717.

Michael continues to improve his already exceptional skills by taking art courses at Ventura College.

Russel Santop is 47 years old and has participated in Special Olympics since 1992.  Russel began his Special Olympics experience with powerlifting at a local gym.  He enjoyed it so much that he also joined the bocce and bowling teams.

While a late-comer to painting, Russel is more impressionistic in his approach, and enjoys painting landscapes and abstract images, as they express his artistic visions. He currently takes art classes through Art Is Our Passion in Agoura Hills.

Michael and Russel are continuing contributors to the Athlete Art Card program, available exclusively through Special Olympics Ventura County.