MSAA features the work of many talented artists affected by multiple sclerosis as part of our annual MSAA Art Showcase. Each month we share these artists’ inspiring stories and beautiful artwork with you as our Artist of the Month. This month, we celebrate Barbara Patrick as the December Artist of the Month. Barbara is from Coulterville, CA.

“I am a Goldsmith with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in metalsmithing. I was diagnosed with MS in 2014 when my right hand became temporarily paralyzed. Previously, I had five surgeries due to Carpal Tunnel, leading to lots of time off to recover. I’ve learned to divide my creative projects by the amount of time, strength, and dexterity required. I’m still able to create jewelry and metalsmith, however, I experience a lot of shakiness. I have also been recently diagnosed with arthritis in my right thumb, impairing my strength to do stone setting. I am learning to slow down and choose my best artistic medium every day.”

To see more about Barbara and the rest of our artists, please visit our Art Showcase.