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”
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 Vanessa Willison as June’s Artist of the Month. Vanessa is from Dorchester, NE.
“Untitled”
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 Eileen Dillon as May’s Artist of the Month. Eileen is from Castle Rock, CO
“Our First Date”
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 Palmer as April’s Artist of the Month. April is from Holstein, IA.
“Lady Bug in Spring”
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