About John MSAA

Senior Director of Digital Communications at the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA). Lover of comic books. Player of guitars. Fan of the Sixers, also the Phillies (still, somehow...).

April 2018 Artist of the Month: Celebrating the Work of Artists Affected by Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on April 4, 2018 by John MSAA

MSAA is very proud to present our 2018-19 Art Showcase – celebrating the work of artists affected by multiple sclerosis (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.

Bethany Conway – Big Flats, NY
April Rain

About the Artist:
“My diagnosis was nothing more than a blessing as it enabled me to realize I only have one chance at this life. It caused me to take a turn from the dark road I was heading down, come into the light and make better choices for myself. I strive to live with intention and embrace every season of it.”
Read more

March 2018 Artist of the Month: Celebrating the Work of Artists Affected by Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on March 2, 2018 by John MSAA

All-New Artists for MSAA’s 2018-2017 Art Showcase!

As a part of MS Awareness Month, MSAA is very proud to present our 2018-2019 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.

To view all of the new submissions, please visit our online galleries:

Throughout the year, we will highlight one artist during each month by sharing their artwork and their story as a part of our Artist of the Month series.

MSAA’s March Artist of the Month

Love Me, Don’t Break Me
Paula Breiner – Tamaqua, PA

About the Artist:
“I am an MS Warrior. I make the most of each day. I enjoy yoga and meditation.I live day to day with this disease and pray for a cure. I do a paint/craft day each month with the gang in our support group. It has given me such happiness at seeing all the wonderful finished projects and see the smiles, laughter, and the awesome mental therapy that we all supply each other with. My support group has become my second family and we are so much stronger as a group. We live, one day at a time.”
Read more

December 2017 Artist of the Month: Celebrating the Work of Artists Affected by Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on December 1, 2017 by John MSAA

MSAA is very proud to present our 2017-18 Art Showcase – celebrating the work of artists affected by multiple sclerosis (MS).

Kimberly Stevens – Roanoke, VA
Christmas Stars

About the Artist:
“Diagnosed in January 2012 and no longer able to work, I became determined to find ways to keep busy based on my daily MS symptoms. MS requires flexibility.

Shaky hands and eye issues have made jewelry and glass working very difficult these days, and after going to a paint night party, I was inspired. I’ve enjoyed painting with stencils to create mixed media artwork and painting clay pottery for the past year.”
Read more

November 2017 Artist of the Month: Celebrating the Work of Artists Affected by Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on November 3, 2017 by John MSAA

MSAA is very proud to present our 2017-18 Art Showcase – celebrating the work of artists affected by multiple sclerosis (MS).

Laura Patchen – Pittsford, NY
Hurd Orchards

About the Artist:
“I have been diagnosed with MS since 1998, and stopped working because of it in 2005. I began painting around 2010, looking for something to do that would make me feel like I had accomplished something. I enjoy painting immensely. It gives me joy and reminds me of places I’ve visited.

One of the wonderful things about painting is that when I become tired, I can put it aside and go back to it another day when I have more energy. I know that eventually, I will finish what I’ve started – it just might take me a little bit longer than I’d like.”
Read more

October 2017 Artist of the Month: Celebrating the Work of Artists Affected by Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on October 4, 2017 by John MSAA

MSAA is very proud to present our 2017-18 Art Showcase – celebrating the work of artists affected by multiple sclerosis (MS).

Karen Bloom – Kendallville, IN
Scarecrow in Cabbage Patch

Karen Bloom - Scarecrow in a Cabbage Patch

About the Artist:
“I was diagnosed with MS in 2008 and was a paraplegic within a year. Because my legs were affected so drastically, I expected the same of my arms/hands and sold my piano and gave away all of my oil painting supplies and most of the artwork I loved.

I received a service dog a year ago and began venturing back out into the world and taking risks, including trying painting again. It turns out I should not have given up on my artwork for over six years. My hands are still mine!”
Read more

September 2017 Artist of the Month: Celebrating the Work of Artists Affected by Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on September 4, 2017 by John MSAA

MSAA is very proud to present our 2017-18 Art Showcase – celebrating the work of artists affected by multiple sclerosis (MS).

Jennifer Attwood – Parker, CO
Bears

About the Artist:
“My life really took a turn sideways in 2007 diagnosis with MS!

I have written and illustrated a children’s book and I enjoy creatures of the ocean SO much that I have a saltwater aquarium now too. I love to illustrate and paint watercolors because it’s not expensive and gives me a free spirit of letting ALL the pain go too. I am still the girl who had a passion for horses, hiking and fishing, even though I can’t do those things anymore.”
Read more

August 2017 Artist of the Month: Celebrating the Work of Artists Affected by Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on August 2, 2017 by John MSAA

MSAA is very proud to present our 2017-18 Art Showcase – celebrating the work of artists affected by multiple sclerosis (MS).

Rhena Hall – Little Rock, AR
Summer Sunshine Rose

About the Artist:
“I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in December 1981.

I have been struggling with dizziness and complete exhaustion for an hour, then I recover for maybe 30 minutes then tiredness starts in again. This is a lifelong struggle and I will not accept defeat. Medicine is now making my goal possible. Had to retire at 37 years and have been in a wheelchair briefly, crutches, now cane. Exercise daily…classic stretch. Too busy to give in to MS.”
Read more

July 2017 Artist of the Month: Celebrating the Work of Artists Affected by Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on July 7, 2017 by John MSAA

MSAA is very proud to present our 2017-18 Art Showcase – celebrating the work of artists affected by multiple sclerosis (MS).

Michelle Hotchkiss – Palmer, AK
Summer Breeze

About the Artist:
“I started pursuing art in order to find something creative, beautiful and enjoyable after my MS progressed to the point I took early retirement, and I needed to find something to fill my time.

My style of art has a lot of fine detail. Sometimes MS makes it difficult to see so I use a magnifying glass and bright lights when necessary. Due to MS fatigue, I have also learned not to rush my art. Sometimes it may take months to finish a piece and I have learned to be OK with that. Just keep it enjoyable!”
Read more

June 2017 Artist of the Month: Celebrating the Work of Artists Affected by Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on June 2, 2017 by John MSAA

MSAA is very proud to present our 2017-18 Art Showcase – celebrating the work of artists affected by multiple sclerosis (MS).

Susan Russo – Pearland, TX
Love Unconditional

About the Artist:
“I was diagnosed with RRMS in 2001. This disease has changed my life in an amazing way. Funny how diseases tend to do just that. You either give up or battle on. I choose to battle on.

I’m not perfect. I have rough days. I cry. I get angry. But then, I pick up a paint brush and I start to create whatever I am feeling. I get lost in a beautiful world of lines and shades and colors. The creation of something visually beautiful helps me to refocus on the fact that I am so much more than my MS.”
Read more

May 2017 Artist of the Month: Celebrating the Work of Artists Affected by Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on May 5, 2017 by John MSAA

MSAA is very proud to present our 2017-18 Art Showcase – celebrating the work of artists affected by multiple sclerosis (MS).

Martha Sue Meek – Arlington, TX
Grandmother’s Flowers

About the Artist:
“I don’t remember a time when I didn’t love art! When mother was painting she would set me up at a place nearby. I taught art for thirty plus years.

Then MS came in with not much warning about three years ago. I have been active my whole life and then BAM, MS has slowed me down. What has happened for me is my MS, even though I didn’t ask for it, gave me time to reflect and paint! I realized my art would give me time finally to paint more than I ever had before. Art gives me great comfort and peace. MS is a battle, but I WILL NOT let it dictate how I feel about life!”
Read more

FOLLOW MSAA ON: