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).

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.

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

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

Posted on April 3, 2017 by MSAA

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

David Desjardins – Union, ME
Burnt Island Light

About the Artist:
“When I received my MS diagnosis, it was difficult to remain positive and find anything to be happy about. As time went on and I wasn’t able to work anymore, it occurred to me one day that my inactivity could be a good thing because at last I had a chance to paint!

There is very little in my life I have control over now, but one thing I do have control over is my painting. Creativity has always been part of who I am, but aside from being able to create something beautiful, I can escape the realities I face through my art even if it’s only temporary.”
Read more

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

Posted on March 6, 2017 by John MSAA

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

As part of MS Awareness Month, MSAA is very proud to present our 2017-2018 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 2017 Art Showcase:

March Artist of the Month:
Shana Stern – Los Angeles, CA
Shiver and Shake

About the Artist:
“I was a dancer, a writer, a mum, then a person with MS. The unrelenting symptoms and medications stripped everything which made me ‘me’. I was lost.

Then, I discovered painting. Unable to hold a paintbrush, I created my own unique method using my fingers and knuckles.

Those parts of me which felt lost thrive again. I don’t dance on my toes but with my hands. I don’t need words for stories just paints. My art helped me find joy, purpose and the strength and confidence to believe in myself again. I may have MS but MS does not have me.”
Read more

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

Posted on February 1, 2017 by MSAA

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

Patricia Heller – Sturgeon Bay, WI
Poppies Reaching for the Sun

Patricia Heller - Poppies Reaching for the Sun

About the Artist:
“Diagnosed ten years ago, my life dramatically changed.

As the years have gone on, I have become better at both watercoloring and handling MS. With painting, I have learned to watch the movement of the water and the paint and capture it to create the images I intend. With MS symptoms, I have learned to listen to what my body is telling me and then use everything I have learned (meditation, relaxation, exercise, stretching, drugs, and best of all, WATERCOLOR PAINTING) to manage MS.””
Read more

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

Posted on January 6, 2017 by John MSAA

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

Marion Carney-Howard – Cleveland, OH
Winter Fun

About the Artist:
“I’m currently a house wife with three sons and three stepchildren for the past year since taken ill. I’m 48 years young and love art, music, dance as well swimming. I’m not a professional artist and sometimes surprise myself at my ability. I think I get my artistic flare from my dad who was a professional artist and photographer.

My art reflects my inner being. My submission is a memory I had of my sons playing outside with their friends and how much fun they were having. The medium I use is Paint Shop Pro and Polyvore as well acrylics and watercolor.”
Read more

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

Posted on December 2, 2016 by John MSAA

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

Paula Breiner – Tamaqua, PA
Snowy

About the Artist:
“I started painting last August to help strengthen my hand, to better my thinking and concentration. I haven’t drawn or painted since high school back in the 80’s. I find painting to be very relaxing and stress free, which is what an MS’er needs in their life.

I was diagnosed in 2006. My husband is my rock, I don’t know where I’d be without him. I belong to an amazing support group and we have all become family, I love and cherish each of them. We have 2 beautiful daughters and 4 amazing grandkids. I do lots of crafts with my grandkids and we all reap the rewards. I have MS, it doesn’t have me. One day at a time.”
Read more

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

Posted on November 4, 2016 by John MSAA

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

Susan Russo – Pearland, TX
Honor and Sacrifice

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

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

Posted on October 3, 2016 by John MSAA

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

Dani Red Hawk – Greenville, SC
Blood Moon

About the Artist:
“My art production is a bit improved over last year. If I could just beat away the fatigue I might really churn some art work out. However, while not always satisfied with each piece, I am most grateful for the completion.

It is such a joy to participate in the MSAA Art Showcase! To my fellow artists: You have brought much inspiration and enjoyment to not only me, but friends who have perused the website. I hope this past year has been a good (or good as can be expected with MS) one for you all.”
Read more

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

Posted on September 7, 2016 by John MSAA

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

September Artist of the Month:
Karen Bloom – Kendallville, IN
Fall Leaves

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 gave away all of my oil painting supplies and most of the artwork I loved.

I 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

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

Posted on August 1, 2016 by John MSAA

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

August Artist of the Month:
Carol Tomlin – Woodbine, NJ
Summer at Old Faithful Inn 1904

Carol Tomlin - Summer at Old Faithful Inn 1904

About the Artist:
“In 2003 I began stumbling while scouting for deer hunting areas with my husband Clarence. I was soon diagnosed with MS. Hands now shaky, I can no longer enjoy painting and even had to leave my job. With time on my hands I continued to exercise by working the family farm.

Determined to paint again, I had a cabin constructed on the place where my husband and I loved to sit together and watch the wild game in the back yard. There I found the peace I needed to steady my hand and paint again.”
Read more

FOLLOW MSAA ON: