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

Posted on April 4, 2014 by John MSAA

MSAA is very proud to present our 2014 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.

April Artist of the Month:
Carolyn Bowlus – Los Osos, CA

“I grew up in a family of amateur artists, so it seemed natural to try my hand in the art world. I dabbled in acrylics and watercolors with a few art classes along the way.

When I was diagnosed with MS in 2000, I had visual and migraine issues which now come and go. When I am in remission I go back to my art hobbies with great enthusiasm. It is something I have to look forward to during the “down” times.”
Read more

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

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

Posted on February 7, 2014 by John MSAA

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

February 2014 Artist of the Month:
Lucinda Mierek – Anderson, SC

“My art has changed because of my fatigue and loss of concentration. My images used to be tight and are now loose. The content was edgier and is now more mainstream. However, my color use is getting better possibly because I’m losing my vision and am trying to compensate. I need more energy to do my art and haven’t figured out how to get it.

Even with my problems I feel fortunate. I still walk, drive, and tend to my yard.

My daughter and I still enjoy our time together. She pushes me to do more art. She seems to be my biggest fan!

‘Pretty Petals and Peaches’ is acrylic on matte board. It is very loose in comparison to the detailed older work of mine. I like the color usage of my “MS era.” I have learned to take life a little less intensely and use color more intensely. My work has changed for the better.”

MSAA’s Next Art Showcase for 2014

Thank you to all of the artists who were part of last year’s Art Showcase for artists with multiple sclerosis. The wonderful artwork and personal stories have been inspirational to many who have visited our online gallery and who have sent and received online art cards, celebrating the lives and talents of people living with MS.

MSAA will soon debut the 2014 Art Showcase in March as part of MS Awareness Month. So, get ready for some new artwork and stories to enjoy! As before, each month we will share with you an Artist of the Month with a new online card that you can send to friends and family to spread awareness of MS, while showcasing the wonderful talents displayed by artists with MS.

You still have time for one more look at last year’s collection! Then, get ready to enjoy the many new works to be featured in MSAA’s 2014 Art Showcase.

Check out the complete MSAA Art Showcase online gallery of artists with MS.

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

Posted on January 6, 2014 by John MSAA

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

January 2014 Artist of the Month:
Michelle Hotchkiss – Palmer, AK

“My name is Michelle Hotchkiss. I live on a small farm in a small town in Alaska with my husband, a very large dog and my dog-tolerant cat. I have two wonderful adult children and two of the cutest grandchildren ever born.

I finally had a diagnosis of MS in 1994 after years of odd symptoms. In 1994, I had a serious and scary attack which resulted in diagnosis of MS within days. It took a while, but I fortunately recovered and was able to return to work and lead a very active and outdoorsy lifestyle.”

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.

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.

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

Posted on October 4, 2013 by MSAA

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

October 2013 Artist of the Month:
Tammy Jennings – Monterey, California

Ocean Wave

Tammy Jennings - MSAA October Artist of the Month

Oahu

“My name is Tammy Jennings and I lived in picturesque Monterey, California. I am a 53-year-old, single woman, and I have been living with Multiple Sclerosis since 1996; I was 37. I worked full-time until December 2006 when I had to “retire” as the unpleasant “side-effects” of my MS became too much to handle in a work environment. As a result, I had a lot of free time. So I spent the first few years visiting relatives that I hadn’t been able to see when I was working. My cousin, Joyce Quaglino, was one of those relatives. She can take all the credit for introducing me to the wonderful world of painting. I believe EVERYONE can paint, mainly because it is almost mistake proof. Some of the worst “mistakes” turn out to be the most beautiful paintings! The inspiration for the paintings submitted was the ocean. And Hawaii being one of my favorite places in the world, I took a picture of a sea turtle (Honu in Hawaiian) and painted it when I got home. I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed painting them.

Both paintings are Acrylic & Oil. First I complete the main painting in acrylic, then go back and touch it up with oil to make it “pop” (as my cousin says).”

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 July 2013

Posted on July 8, 2013 by John MSAA

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

July 2013 Artist of the Month:
Ginger Latham – Mount Juliet, TN

“I was diagnosed 16 years ago with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. Like everyone else, when I heard the news, panic set in. Sharing the news with my family was one of the hardest things I have had to do. My husband and I were self-employed in a business which required us to be outside a good portion of the time. Due to issues with heat and cold, that part of my life ceased.

While attending a Sunday school party shortly after, I was admiring a friend’s beautifully painted pillow. I told her “I would love be able to paint; however, I couldn’t draw a stick man.” She told me that I could learn to draw, referred me to her teacher and I began to take lessons…”
Read more

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

Greetings from the Midwest!

Posted on June 26, 2013 by Scott McDonald

I’ve hosted many educational programs over the years, where I have had the opportunity to meet many wonderful people, who have enriched my life.

In these meetings, a common theme has emerged – Attitude. Presenters often speak to the importance of a positive attitude. It can have a profound impact on how we feel and handle the challenges we face each day.

One thing I hear often in the field is how frequently our clients take on a variety of challenges with a positive outlook.

One person who stands out is Dan, an MSAA client, that I met at a program. He shared his own story of overcoming obstacles with gusto and motivation. There are many individuals like Dan who come to our programs and share their struggles, as well as, their triumphs. These interactions are what make my work in the field so inspiring.

What a week in the Midwest! There were several programs held June 17-22 where clients had the pleasure to listen to prominent MS medical professionals in Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Each presented his approach for managing MS symptoms and improving quality of life. MS clients, family, friends, and caregivers were inspired. All attending learned much about the importance of nutrition, exercise, and appropriate medications. Many practical tips were discussed.

At one event in Wisconsin, I had the pleasure to meet Cheryl Vanderloop, MSAA’s Artist of the Month for June. She attended a program and introduced herself to me. She is very inspiring. At the end of the program, I surprised her by opening up our website via a wi-fi connection, where I displayed her work and introduced her to the many in attendance. She received a resounding round of applause. Her smile was infectious.

I urge all of you to attend our educational events. They’re fair, balanced, and lots of fun. Please check out MSAA’s Calendar of Events for a program near you. Also, if you have an idea for program topics please leave a comment below!
I look forward to seeing you during my travels throughout the great Midwest!
Smile!
Scott

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