Hello there, Earth!

Posted on April 22, 2016 by Angel Blair

Today individuals around the world will celebrate Earth Day, an annual event known to promote environmental awareness and energy conservation. Sometimes it’s easy to take advantage of our planet and all the wonderfulness it has to offer. This is to no fault of our own—life gets busy and chaotic, and our day to day routines get in the way of appreciating the world around us. But if we consciously make the decision to stop just for a moment to take a look around at the beauty of the Earth, it will no doubt create a moment where being present and mindful of our surroundings will ignite this newfound appreciation and gratitude for the world in which we live. And there are some things we can do every day to try and preserve the splendor of the planet and its nature.

Earth-Day-2016-Poster-Earth-Day-Network

Recycle, recycle, and recycle!
Conserve energy by turning off lights and running water when not in use
Opt for using another mode of transportation instead of driving if able
Plant or garden to bring more life to the Earth
Raise awareness in your community for environmental protection causes

So this Earth Day, take a moment to join a movement, a cause, a venture to help care for our planet and all its beauty and glory. Our Earth is precious and allows us to do so much; shouldn’t we help take care of it in return?

April 2016 Artist of the Month: Celebrating the Work of Artists Affected by Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on April 1, 2016 by John MSAA

MSAA is very proud to present our 2016-17 Art Showcase – celebrating the work of artists affected by MS.

We have received many wonderful submissions from across the country and are delighted to share their work and their stories with you. Please visit our online gallery to view all of the new submissions.

April Artist of the Month:
Debra Robert – Lake Worth, FL
Constellation des Colores

Debra Robert - Constellation des Colores

About the Artist:
“I have been painting for over 25 years. I have a BA in theatre arts and an MFA in film producing. My career has taken me around the world, working in live events/concerts/conferences for over 20 years.

Now diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), I had to retire from my exciting, vibrant career. I am determined to put my energy into art full-time, surrounding myself in a world of color and light. I pull my inspiration from years of the lighting design, sounds and imaginative shapes from live performance production.”
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March 2016 Artist of the Month: Celebrating the Work of Artists Affected by Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on March 4, 2016 by John MSAA

All-New Artists for MSAA’s 2016-2017 Art Showcase!

As part of MS Awareness Month, MSAA is very proud to present our 2016-2017 Art Showcase, celebrating the work of artists affected by MS.

We have received many wonderful submissions from across the country and are delighted to share their work and their stories with you.

Please visit our online gallery to view all of the new submissions:

As in the past, we will highlight one Artist of the Month throughout this year and share their artwork and their story.

Presenting MSAA’s Artist of the Month for March

MSAA is very excited to present the first Artist of the Month for our 2016 Art Showcase:

March Artist of the Month:
Ginny Townsend – Montgomery, AL
Field of Flowers

About the Artist:
“Before I was a wife, mother, grandmother; before I had MS, I was ME! It took a decade for a diagnosis! What a relief to finally know!

In between exacerbations, I ignored “MS”. Maybe it would ignore me! Then 9-11 happened. On 9-12, I had a major exacerbation. I became permanently disabled. At first I was in a wheelchair. Now I use a cane and walker. I was bored so I began painting on mayonnaise jars! I also paint on canvas.”
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Heard about our 2016 Improving Lives Benefit and Online Auction yet?

Our Online Auction is Now Open!
Event attendance is not required for this special opportunity. Click the Online Auction link below to view the packages and register for bidding. More packages available soon.

Please note: online auction will close on Wednesday March 30, 2016 at 9:00 PM EST.

February 2016 Artist of the Month: Celebrating the Work of Artists Affected by Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on February 3, 2016 by John MSAA

MSAA is very proud to present our 2015 Art Showcase – celebrating the work of artists affected by MS.

February Artist of the Month:
Jennifer Atwood – A Wedding Centerpiece of Rose Balls and Orchids

About the Artist:
“I was officially diagnosed with MS in 2007. Since then I had to retire and collect SSDI. I love watercolor but that was not my best media of my art degree in college. I now do this for my own satisfaction and the least expensive art I can do at home. I am 57, married, and have 4 daughters! All except one have left our nest, the youngest is 21. My husband Edward and I have been married 11 years.”
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Be inspired – please send an online card featuring artwork by MS artist Jennifer Atwood and spread awareness of MS and MSAA.

January 2016 Artist of the Month: Celebrating the Work of Artists Affected by Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on January 6, 2016 by John MSAA

MSAA is very proud to present our Art Showcase – celebrating the work of artists affected by MS.

January Artist of the Month:
Janet Laycox – Winter

About the Artist:
“My name is Janet Laycox. I was diagnosed with MS in 1994. I have Secondary Progressive MS and use a walker to get around.

I always feel so good when people tell me that they are amazed at how much I do. Yes, as most of us MS’ers know, we can do what anyone else does but in our own way. I have been volunteering at the West Milford Animal Shelter for 12 years. I am also a volunteer at our support group for MS, the ADA committee for my township and the Passaic County Council on Disability. A few of us from the Squeaky Wheels MS support group thought it would be fun to join in a community center oil painting class.

Well here is one of the first oil paintings I ever did. I must say I really enjoyed it, will continue and hope to improve.”
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Be inspired – please send an online card featuring artwork by MS artist Janet Laycox and spread awareness of MS and MSAA.

December 2015 Artist of the Month: Celebrating the Work of Artists Affected by Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on December 4, 2015 by John MSAA

MSAA is very proud to present our 2015 Art Showcase – celebrating the work of artists affected by MS.

December Artist of the Month:
Bob Donner – Winter Birches in the Snow

About the Artist:
“I have MS, but I don’t let that define me. In my wheelchair, it’s obvious that I’m physically challenged, but I’d much rather be known as the ‘artist’ in the wheelchair.

Shortly after my diagnosis, I was on my computer one day and, on a whim, drew a bear using my mouse as my ‘pencil.’ It was far from perfect, but resembled a bear well enough to capture my interest. I began steadily developing the skill, and now most of my day is spent at my computer, mouse in hand, creating images on the screen.

When away from home, I’m observing everything around me, wondering how I would draw it. I especially like the drama of sunrises and sunsets. Each one is a unique display lasting several hours. My advice: Watch as many as you can, with the wonder of a five year old, and the eyes of an ‘artist.'”

Be inspired – please send an online card featuring artwork by MS artist Bob Donner and spread awareness of MS and MSAA.

October 2015 Artist of the Month: Celebrating the Work of Artists Affected by Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on October 5, 2015 by John MSAA

MSAA is very proud to present our 2015 Art Showcase – celebrating the work of artists affected by MS.

October Artist of the Month:
Bean Fairbanks – Seattle, WA

About the Artist:
“All of my life, I have been part geek and part artist. Since 1987, I have been living with multiple sclerosis. One of the consequences/opportunities of MS has been that I have had to reinvent myself over and over again to maximize my current talents and surmount obstacles. That has been true of my career as well as my art work. Over the years, I have crafted with charcoal, pen and ink, pastels, acrylic and oils as well as my first love: textile arts.

Now most of artwork is augmented digitally. My laptop is much more forgiving of my hand tremors than pen and ink! The computer allows me to bring my artistic vision to light. Art remains my inspiration, therapy, passion and a means to communicate. My artwork is as eclectic as my moods, whether reflecting frenzy, sensuousness or the bare essence of being.”
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Be inspired – please send an online card featuring artwork by MS artist Bean Fairbanks and spread awareness of MS and MSAA.

September 2015 Artist of the Month: Celebrating the Work of Artists Affected by Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on September 2, 2015 by John MSAA

MSAA is very proud to present our 2015 Art Showcase – celebrating the work of artists affected by MS.

We have received many wonderful submissions from across the country and are delighted to share their work and their stories with you. Please visit our MS Art Showcase online gallery to view all of the new submissions.

September Artist of the Month:
Barbara Hall – Jersey Shore, PA

About the Artist:
“I believe this is my fourth year entering the MSAA Art Showcase. I continue to take painting classes and hope that I am making progress. My MS might have affected my handwriting but not my paintbrush! I hope to continue to paint through 2015. I am honored to be included with all these talented artists.”
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Be inspired – please send an online card featuring artwork by MS artist Barbara Hall and spread awareness of MS and MSAA.

August 2015 Artist of the Month: Celebrating the Work of Artists Affected by Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on August 7, 2015 by John MSAA

MSAA is very proud to present our 2015 Art Showcase – celebrating the work of artists affected by MS.

August Artist of the Month:
Jeffrey Waldron – Granby, MA

About the Artist:
“My name is Jeffrey Waldron, I’m 53 years old, and I was diagnosed with MS in 2001 – although there were symptoms some years before that. I used to be a teacher (math & computers) and a scientist. Before MS, those were the best ways for me to contribute and make a difference. With the MS, however, I notice that my perceptive strengths have shifted from the quantitative to the qualitative. Today I find that I can share insights of value more effectively through art and visual recreations of the beauty I see in the world.”
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Be inspired – please send an online card featuring artwork by MS artist Jeffrey Waldron and spread awareness of MS and MSAA.

July 2015 Artist of the Month: Celebrating the Work of Artists Affected by Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on July 8, 2015 by John MSAA

MSAA is very proud to present our 2015 Art Showcase – celebrating the work of artists affected by MS.

July Artist of the Month:
David Desjardins – Union, ME

About the Artist:
“I think like most artists here, I am using my artwork to show that even though MS has slowed me down and has limited what I can do, I am proving to myself and others that I am still capable of creating something beautiful and unique. When I finish a project, and my framed painting is hung, I have such a feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction – “I created that!”

I’m not as prolific a painter as I once was, but I find that concentrating and losing myself in my current painting is a great way to spend an afternoon while creating something of beauty.”
Read more about the Artist of the Month

Be inspired – please send an online card featuring artwork by MS artist David Desjardins and spread awareness of MS and MSAA.

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