Introducing the 2023 MSAA Art Showcase

MSAA is proud to introduce our 2023 Art Showcase! We received numerous submissions created by gifted artists from across the country. Take a moment to look through this year’s Art Showcase by visiting our online gallery.

March Artist of the Month

All That Glitters

All That Glitters

Jaclyn Spencer – Ogden, UT

“I have been painting for a few years now. Learning something new always seems daunting to me with my MS cognitive issues and physical pain. I paint to free my focus from my frustrations into something creative and potentially beautiful. I use it as therapy, taking a short break from my reality and expressing my pain or happiness on canvas.”

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Vanessa Willison – December 2022 Artist of the Month

Black and white photograph by MS artist Vanessa Willison entitled Snowmen
“Snowment” by Vanessa Willison

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 Vanessa Willison as the December Artist of the Month. Vanessa is from Dorchester, NE.

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Karen Bloom – October 2022 Artist of the Month

Karen Bloom artist with MS painting of deer entitled “Northwood Majesty”
Northwood Majesty
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Teresa Grzeslo – March 2022 Artist of the Month

MSAA is very proud to introduce our 2022 Art Showcase, celebrating the work of nearly 50 artists affected by MS.

We received many wonderful submissions from across the country and we are delighted to share the work of these artists and their inspirational stories with you.

Each month, we highlight one artist as our Artist of the Month. This month – our first month of the 2022-23 MSAA Art Showcase – we are proud to feature artist Teresa Grzeslo of Lake Villa, IL:

“Night Sky Spectacular”

About the Artist – Teresa Grzeslo

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Hope Angel – February 2022 Artist of the Month

Each year, we feature the work of artists affected by multiple sclerosis in our annual MSAA Art Showcase. We receive many wonderful submissions from across the country and are delighted to share the work of these artists and their inspirational stories with you, including highlighting one artist each month as our Artist of the Month. This month, we are proud to feature artist Hope Angel of Seattle, WA:

Hope Angel Artist of the Month artwork entitled Spiaggia
“Spiaggia”

About the Artist – Hope Angel

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Deborah Tomushunas – January 2022 Artist of the Month

Each year, we feature the work of artists affected by multiple sclerosis in our annual MSAA Art Showcase. We receive many wonderful submissions from across the country and are delighted to share the work of these artists and their inspirational stories with you, including highlighting one artist each month as our Artist of the Month. This month, we are proud to feature artist Deborah Tomushunas of Marietta, NY:

Deborah Tomushunas Artist of the Month's artwork entitled Savannah Trolley
Savannah Trolley

About the Artist – Deborah Tomushunas

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Art Showcase Spotlight – David Desjardins

Did you catch our blog feature last week about the tenth anniversary of MSAA’s Art Showcase? Over the years, we’ve been lucky enough to feature hundreds of artists through this initiative! On top of serving as inspiration to many who visit our website and social media pages, the Showcase has also been a source of inspiration for members of the MS community who may have previously thought their diagnosis would hinder their creative abilities.

Painters like David Desjardins, a participant in the Showcase since 2013, view their condition as an artistic advantage. “I find Continue reading

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February 2018 Artist of the Month: Celebrating the Work of Artists Affected by Multiple Sclerosis

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.

Sharon Goodwin – Fort Worth, TX
Pink Blossoms

About the Artist:
The first time I realized I had passion for art was when I made a pastel drawing of a horse at 11 years old. Since then I’ve dabbled in woodworking, painting, cake decorating, drawing, sculpture and crocheting.

Over the years though, I’ve gotten away from participating in my own creative activities due to working full time, being Mom to my 2 wonderful boys and trying to cope with confusing symptoms. After finally being diagnosed with MS in 2016, I realized my physical and cognitive abilities weren’t the same as they used to be. I started feeling a creative longing but didn’t have much motivation or know where to begin. A little inspiration from my husband this year reignited my passion once again.”
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MSAA’s Fourth Annual Improving Lives Benefit

As MS Awareness Month came to a close at the end of last week, MSAA held its fourth annual Improving Lives Benefit on March 30th in Philadelphia, PA.  This event allowed all of us at MSAA to celebrate MSAA champions who embody our mission of Improving Lives Today in the multiple sclerosis community throughout the United States.

This year, we were extremely proud to honor Shana Stern (an MSAA Art Showcase Artist), her son, Walker Reynolds (a Swim for MS volunteer), and William Saunders (MSAA Board of Directors’ Treasurer).

Attendees got to hear from Walker about his desire to raise money for a cause that would directly benefit and support people like his mother Shana, who was diagnosed with MS in 1999.  We also had an opportunity to hear from Shana about her process of expressing her creativity and love of music and performance through her newfound passion of painting with her knuckles.  Finally, William Saunders spoke about his time serving as a member of the MSAA Board of Directors and as a representative of the MS community as a true gift.

In addition to celebrating the work of our MSAA champions, we were also able to raise more than $120,000, which will make a tremendous difference in the lives of numerous individuals and families with MS.

This year’s event would not have been successful without the support of our attendees, supporters, and our sponsors.  Thank you to everyone who contributed and we look forward to another beautiful evening next year!

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

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.

David Desjardins – Union, ME
Burnt Island Light
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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