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

Posted on December 11, 2013 by John MSAA

MSAA is very proud to present our 2013 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 MSAA Art Showcase submissions.

December 2013 Artist of the Month:
Teresa Grzeslo

“I am 60 years old and was diagnosed with MS in 1999. I have dabbled in a variety of crafts since my youth and have always appreciated fine art. As a parent, I promoted art appreciation in elementary school through an Art Mom program and fun fairs. I made posters and scenery for plays. I enjoyed these activities for 5-6 years and then enjoyed baking as my creative outlet. Over the last couple years of MSAA’s Art Contest participation, I’ve felt evolving confidence and excitement as I look forward to creative experimentation.”

MSAA Art Showcase 2014:
We are still accepting submissions for our 2014 Art Showcase! If you haven’t already done so, submit your best artwork by December 16th 2013 for a chance to be a part of next year’s Art Showcase.

Submit your artwork for the 2014 MSAA Art Showcase.

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

Posted on November 6, 2013 by John MSAA

MSAA is very proud to present our 2013 Art Showcase – celebrating the work of artists affected by MS.

November 2013 Artist of the Month:
Julie Crow – Damascus, VA

From the Artist:
“After a couple of really bad falls from lack of balance and coordination, resulting in hip pins and a broken pelvic bone, my companion, Gino, an accomplished oil painter, brought some pastel pencils and a drawing pad to the hospital for me to have something to focus all of my energy on while I was immobilized. In the hospital and inpatient rehab, I drew pictures of friend’s pets and relatives. The baby is a friend’s first grandson, and I drew this from a photo taken at the beach. She was always there for me during the hard times. I have also drawn a few others for folks to show my appreciation for their time and their love. I’ve created a Circle of Hope link with MSAA…the amazing thing is that I’ve never painted or drawn. I truly could not draw a stick man before this last incident. I haven’t lately due to some problems, but am hopeful for tomorrow.”

Calling All Artists with MS:
It’s that time of year – MSAA is now accepting submissions for our 2014 Art Showcase! If you haven’t already done so, submit your best artwork by December 16th 2013 for a chance to be a part of next year’s Art Showcase.

Submit your artwork for the 2014 MSAA Art Showcase.

MSAA’s Artist of the Month for September 2013

Posted on September 4, 2013 by John MSAA

MSAA is very proud to present our 2013 Art Showcase – celebrating the work of artists affected by MS.

September 2013 Artist of the Month:
David Desjardins – Union, ME
Windmill

“I’ve always loved to paint, but my work schedule and other commitments always seemed to get in the way. 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

Be inspired – please send an online card featuring artwork by MS artist David Desjardins and spread awareness of MS and MSAA.

MSAA’s Artist of the Month for August 2013

Posted on August 5, 2013 by John MSAA

Presenting MSAA’s Artist of the Month for August 2013

MSAA is very proud to present our 2013 Art Showcase – celebrating the work of artists affected by MS.

August 2013 Artist of the Month:
Barbara Hall – Jersey Shore, PA

From the Artist:

“There are many faces to MS. I am one of those whose problems are hidden. Only my DR and I know what they are. So for the people who I have told, and that isn’t everyone, I am sure that they don’t take me too seriously. But that is ok. I have read that MS is the most misunderstood disease and I am sure that is correct.

I am just getting back to oil painting after many years of setting it aside because of doing other things. But I have found it so relaxing and rewarding for myself, even if no one sees any of my work. This MS Art Showcase is the perfect venue because finally someone else will view what I have completed.”
Read more

Be inspired – please send an online card featuring artwork by MS artist Barbara Hall and spread awareness of MS and MSAA.

MSAA’s Artist of the Month for June 2013

Posted on June 5, 2013 by John MSAA

MSAA is very proud to present our 2013 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 submissions.

June 2013 Artist of the Month:
Cheryl Vanderloop

“Heaven’s Door” by artist Cheryl Vanderloop

About the Artist:
“I am a 45 year old female that has always had an interest in art. I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis is 2001. I enjoy drawing, watercolor, acrylic painting, pottery and jewelry making. I’ve found that MS can be unpredictable and through my art, I’ve learned to develop patience and calm my mind. It also gives me hope and helps me be a more positive person.”
Read more

Be inspired – please send an online card featuring artwork by MS artist Cheryl Vanderloop and spread awareness of MS and MSAA.

MSAA’s Artist of the Month for May 2013

Posted on May 3, 2013 by John MSAA

May 2013 Artist of the Month:
Alexandr Rapoport – Palo Alto, CA

About the Artist
Alexandr was born in Moscow, Russia in 1972. He loved art from a very young age and took years of private lessons to prepare him for Stroganov University of Art, where he graduated in 1996. Since then, he has worked as an artist and a designer. His works were displayed at several exhibits in Moscow, and later in America. Alexandr was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1999, but the disease didn’t decrease his interest in art, and he continues to draw as much as he can.

Read more about Alexandr

Be inspired – please send an online card featuring artwork by MS artist Alexandr Rapoport and spread awareness of MS and MSAA.

MSAA’s Artist of the Month for April 2013

Posted on April 10, 2013 by MSAA

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 submissions.

April 2013 Artist of the Month: Susan C. Russo – Pearland, TX

“I have been interested in art since I was a child. I love the creative process. I just close my eyes and let my thoughts come to life. I feel that my work is an expression of God’s love and His gift to me. It would be a great injustice not to share the talent He has given me.

Additionally, art is a beautiful expression of not letting my MS gets the best of me. On days when I don’t feel all that well, I just pick up a brush or pastel and express my feelings in my paintings and drawings…”
Read more from Susan…

Be inspired – please send an online card featuring artwork by MS artist Susan C. Russo and spread awareness of MS and MSAA.

February’s Artist of the Month

Posted on February 22, 2013 by MSAA

Presenting MSAA’s Artist of the Month for February 2013

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

February Artist of the Month:
Mary E. Hetzel-Tingler – Hixson, TN

“I was diagnosed with RRMS on Valentine’s Day 2006. I have been an artist nearly my entire life and this was quite a blow to be dealt, to not be able to create again. I started spending time daydreaming about the paintings I would do, and something magical happened. I started to visualize concepts, instead of just copying pictures or sitting outside and painting nature, or doing portraits like I did in the past. Even though I couldn’t paint them, I envisioned and captured the feelings and remembered them.

As I got more function back I did the first painting called ”Pitiful Joy” 2006. It was the first painting I did completely from my head, representing my loss of vision and speech, yet a mind alight with music, sculpture and art.”

Be inspired – please send an online card featuring artwork by MS artist Mary E. Hetzel-Tingler and spread awareness of MS and MSAA.

Presenting MSAA’s Artist of the Month for October 2012

Posted on October 4, 2012 by MSAA

MSAA is very proud to present our 2012 Art Showcase – celebrating the work of artists affected by MS.

October Artist of the Month:

Thomas Geier – Boulder, CO

“This painting depicts the Crystal Mill perched precariously above the Crystal River just outside of Marble, CO. It’s original function, as a part of the nearby Crystal Mine operation, has long been lost. It has, however – through changes unforeseen – gained a greater purpose as an iconic symbol of Colorado’s historic mining past. It has become one of the most recognized and photographed symbols of mining ingenuity in the state of Colorado.

So it is with my contest with MS. As I have been forced to alter my physical expectations of my natural aging process, I have been blessed with the positive side of change as I grow as an artist. I hope you find inspiration in this unique structure, still anchored on solid rock.”

To Send an Artist of the Month Online Card for October 2012 please visit support.mymsaa.org/artistoct12

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