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

Posted on September 4, 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.

Jennifer Attwood – Parker, CO
Bears

About the Artist:
“My life really took a turn sideways in 2007 diagnosis with MS!

I have written and illustrated a children’s book and I enjoy creatures of the ocean SO much that I have a saltwater aquarium now too. I love to illustrate and paint watercolors because it’s not expensive and gives me a free spirit of letting ALL the pain go too. I am still the girl who had a passion for horses, hiking and fishing, even though I can’t do those things anymore.”
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August 2017 Artist of the Month: Celebrating the Work of Artists Affected by Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on August 2, 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).

Rhena Hall – Little Rock, AR
Summer Sunshine Rose

About the Artist:
“I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in December 1981.

I have been struggling with dizziness and complete exhaustion for an hour, then I recover for maybe 30 minutes then tiredness starts in again. This is a lifelong struggle and I will not accept defeat. Medicine is now making my goal possible. Had to retire at 37 years and have been in a wheelchair briefly, crutches, now cane. Exercise daily…classic stretch. Too busy to give in to MS.”
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July 2017 Artist of the Month: Celebrating the Work of Artists Affected by Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on July 7, 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).

Michelle Hotchkiss – Palmer, AK
Summer Breeze

About the Artist:
“I started pursuing art in order to find something creative, beautiful and enjoyable after my MS progressed to the point I took early retirement, and I needed to find something to fill my time.

My style of art has a lot of fine detail. Sometimes MS makes it difficult to see so I use a magnifying glass and bright lights when necessary. Due to MS fatigue, I have also learned not to rush my art. Sometimes it may take months to finish a piece and I have learned to be OK with that. Just keep it enjoyable!”
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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).

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!”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.””
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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