The SSM Health Treffert Center will host Archipelago 2025: A Celebration of Exceptional Minds, an extraordinary evening event taking place on Friday, July 11, from 5 – 9 pm at the Fond du Lac County Campus, 400 University Drive.
This inspiring celebration brings together remarkable individuals from around the world who have savant syndrome – a rare condition in which individuals with developmental disorders, such as autism, exhibit profound abilities in areas like music, art, memory, or mathematics.
“We receive inquiries every week from amazing savants around the world,” according to Jeremy Chapman, MD, SSM Health Treffert Center medical director. “One common question is, ‘Can you connect us with others with similar stories?’ These individuals are often alone in their marvelous – but also isolating – experiences. They seek a sense of belonging, and they want to exchange advice and encouragement. We realized that we could do them all good service by getting them in one place. That was the start of Archipelago.”
Guests will enjoy:
- Live performances by world-renowned savants
- An art showcase featuring original works
- Heavy hors d’oeuvres and passed appetizers
- Opportunities to connect with exceptional minds and their stories
Scheduled featured guests include:
- Tony DeBlois, a blind pianist who plays thousands of pieces from memory
- Jason Padgett, an artist with acquired savant syndrome
- Derek Amato, a musical savant following a head injury
- George Logothetis, chairman and CEO of Libra Group
The SSM Health Treffert Center believes that sharing these incredible stories and highlighting the abilities of these remarkable individuals benefits our entire community.
“Individuals with savant abilities will gain value through the amplification of their voices and exposure of their artwork, music, and dreams for all of us to enjoy and hopefully support,” Dr. Chapman shares. “The general public will better understand both the science and the human side unique and spectacular phenomenon, meet and interact with amazing individuals with incredible gifts, enjoy a special show featuring music by piano savants, and directly support savants by purchasing their creations, connecting them with others, offering mentorship, and more.”
Archipelago is inspired by the legacy of Dr. Darold Treffert, a pioneer in the study of autism and savant syndrome. Dr. Treffert famously described his patients’ abilities as “islands of genius” within a sea of cognitive challenges. His groundbreaking work continues to shape how we understand and celebrate neurodivergent individuals.
“It’s a fitting way to celebrate these amazing people and honor the legacy of respected researcher Dr. Darold Treffert,” according to Sue Anderson, SSM Health Wisconsin Region President. “Thanks to Dr. Treffert and others, we now recognize and celebrate the strengths of neurodivergent individuals.”
For tickets or more information, visit www.amazingsavants.com or call 920-926-8100.
This event is made possible through the generous support of Libra Philanthropies.
The SSM Health Treffert Center is a leader in multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment of autism and related conditions, helping individuals discover and express their unique talents.
