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 Kristina Bear as November’s Artist of the Month. Kristina is from Cabot, AR.
Sun Kissed
Continue readingSelf-expression is a tool that can unleash your creativity in a unique way. It is not just a way to beat your internal stress; it is a self-defense mechanism that is powerful and can reveal a lot about our inner selves. Everyone has a unique way of expressing themselves and the best part of self-expression is it does not have to be perfect. I serve as a primary example of that. From that statement, I mean that I am no artist, but I like to draw and paint for fun. Art is therapeutic for me in more than just one way. For me, it is all about self-care and there are so many reasons why I enjoy the process. I like the sound of my sharpened pencil grazing on my paper. I like how I can translate my thoughts on a blank canvas. I like to see how different colors mix on a palette to create different shades. It helps me to relax and distract myself from a continuous string of thoughts crossing my mind. I find happiness in the fact that I was able to dedicate some quiet moments to myself. I like to use Paint-by-Number art, which are DIY structured painting kits. They are pre-designed with pictures and come with easy-to-follow instructions. It is great option for beginners who would like to experiment with colors and art.
If you are looking for a new hobby, try to explore different avenues that spark your creativity. Origami, pottery, sculpting, crocheting etc. are great mediums for artistic expression. Whatever you decide to do, feel free to express yourself in ways that speak volumes and give yourself permission to try something new without judgement. Nurture your passions and discover more about yourself each day.
As Albert Einstein once quoted — “Creativity is intelligence having fun.”
By Stacie Prada
Being creative is generally accepted as a desirable trait, and the science supports it helps our well-being. When we look at our health physically, it’s often using objective measurements, lab test results, and diagnostic imaging. They provide numerical measurements and data to compare ourselves to a healthy range for most people.
To capture emotional well-being, we use more subjective measurements that consider mood, worry, stress, happiness, and level of confidence we feel about managing our health.
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Crafting has always been more than just a hobby for me. It is a way to slow down, express myself, and bring warmth into my space without spending a fortune. The colors, materials, textures, and themes I choose reflect both my mood and personal style. You do not need a big budget to be creative; sometimes the most meaningful projects start with items you already have at home.
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It’s that time of year again! Every year, the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) hosts a digital Art Showcase, displaying the beautiful artwork and heartfelt stories of individuals with MS. Over the years, we have received many wonderful submissions from people from all over the country. We are once again hosting the Art Showcase and invite you to participate!
Beginning now until January 9, 2026, MSAA will accept visual art submissions for the 2026-2027 Art Showcase. Participants are encouraged to submit up to three pieces of artwork including but not limited to: paintings, drawings, digital artwork, and photography. Please note that all artwork must be photographed or digitally captured.
Continue reading“We’re all a little weird. And life is a little weird. And when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall into mutually satisfying weirdness—and call it love—true love.”
― Robert Fulghum
I’ve loved this quote for many years, and an argument could be made that my “someone” is my art.
Over the past three years, I’ve been working through a new medium—collage. Smirk all you want. It does sound like something 14-year-old me would enjoy: sifting through Tiger Beat and Teen People, finding the best photos of Usher and JTT and plastering them together for my latest bedroom installation.
But 39-year-old me has found a peaceful challenge in creating something new out of vintage pieces of paper. And it’s weird, and it’s satisfying, and I love it.
Continue readingMSAA 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 Amanda Chavez as October’s Artist of the Month. Amanda is from Anthem, AZ.
Gato Luna
Continue readingMSAA 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 Karen Pagen Cruz as September’s Artist of the Month. Karen is from Manchester, NH.
Grounded Roots
Continue readingMSAA 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 Benjamin Roma as August’s Artist of the Month. Benjamin is from Seattle, Washington.
Beauty in a Field
Continue readingMSAA 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 April Yamamura as July’s Artist of the Month. April is from Niagara Falls, NY.
“Summer Scene”
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