June 2015 Artist of the Month: Celebrating the Work of Artists Affected by Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on June 8, 2015 by John MSAA

MSAA is very proud to present our 2015 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.

June Artist of the Month:
Paula Breiner – Tamaqua, PA

About the Artist:
“I am an MS Survivor. No, I am not cured; it means I live day to day with this disease. I recently took a painting class to help strengthen my hand, to better my thinking and concentration, and because I haven’t drawn or painted since high school back in the 80’s.

I was diagnosed in 2006 with MS. Over the years I have developed more symptoms, and last year I was put on Rebif. I have a very loving and supportive husband whom I will celebrate our 30th anniversary with this November. We have two beautiful daughters and four amazing grandkids.”
Read more

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

May 2015 Artist of the Month: Celebrating the Work of Artists Affected by Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on May 6, 2015 by John MSAA

MSAA is very proud to present our 2015 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 MS Art Showcase online gallery to view all of the new submissions.

May Artist of the Month:
Lisa Wright – Austin, TX

About the Artist:
“MS can be a challenge. It saps your energy, dulls your wits and creativity. Sometimes it feels like an effort to pick up a brush or pencil. I was diagnosed in 2002 after a bout of optic neuritis that left me temporarily blind in one eye. It was enough to leave me wondering about what this meant for my future, and not just as an artist, but everything.

Fortunately, my MS had been discovered early. They put me on a therapy immediately and my flare-ups have been minimal. I am grateful to my doctors for their guidance, to my family and friends for their love and support, and to my husband – also my caregiver – for his patience. He keeps me focused if things become difficult.

And thanks to you, MSAA, for all the thorough information you provide. I’m part of the MS community, along with a lot of creative people just like me!”
Read more

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

April 2015 Artist of the Month: Celebrating the Work of Artists Affected by Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on April 6, 2015 by John MSAA

MSAA is very proud to present our 2015 Art Showcase – celebrating the work of artists affected by MS.

April Artist of the Month:
Michelle Hotchkiss – Palmer, AK

About the Artist:
“I live on a small farm in a small town in Alaska with my husband who is very supportive and wonderful, a very large dog, and my dog-tolerant cat. I have two wonderful adult children and two of the cutest grandchildren ever born.

After 15 years, MS started to slow me down to where I am no longer able to lead the life I once had. This led me into looking for new hobbies that I could do in spite of the limitations. I tried scrapbooking but it was very expensive and I wasn’t satisfied coloring in stamps, so I decided to try drawing and found out I was pretty good at it. This led me deeper into drawing and painting and exploring different types of art such as mixed media and art journaling. I continue to explore other mediums and art styles and whatever makes me happy.

I am a big believer that hobbies are great for a person’s mental health and provide a sense of satisfaction and pleasure, which help counteract the things that MS has taken away.”
Read more

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

To Know, Or Not To Know?

Posted on March 27, 2015 by Angel Blair

That is the question, at least today as it pertains to learning about the disease of MS. As we close in on a month dedicated to MS awareness, many individuals still do not know much about this rare disease. One challenge lies in the fact that the information available on MS can be very overwhelming at times, especially as the internet alone exudes multiple portals of literature and resources about the disease. This can sometimes have the opposite effect on education; rather than pulling people in to learn more, it actually sometimes intimidates people to the point where they shy away from learning more about it. This is completely understandable – MS can be difficult to understand and grasp, so it’s a process to educate oneself and others about it. So the question is, is it better to know, or not to know?

When MS touches the life of someone you know, love, interact with, or share a history with, it can be hard to comprehend what this disease is that’s affecting that person. If you didn’t have knowledge of what it was before, this may be a whole new learning process for you as well. Being part of someone’s support network keeps you tied into what’s going on in their daily experiences, so knowing what MS is and its process can help keep you informed of what they’re going through, and how you may be able to offer support when needed.

It’s not something that can be learned or taught overnight. It’s a process – and one that doesn’t have to be done alone. Talking about MS with family members, friends, peers and other support resources can aid in the significant education piece that comes with the disease. Learning more about it is the first step in knowing what it is and how you can offer your support. It can start with just an overview of MS information, and lead into further discussions and outreach. It’s also important to know that it’s ok to take your time learning about MS – review the information as you’re comfortable doing so at your own pace, and when you have questions reach out and ask. In the matter of MS, the act of knowing can be more beneficial than not.

Share something new you’ve learned about MS…

March 2015 Artist of the Month: Celebrating the Work of Artists Affected by Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on March 6, 2015 by John MSAA

All-New Artists for MSAA’s 2015 Art Showcase

As part of MS Awareness Month, MSAA is very proud to present our 2015 Art Showcase – celebrating the work of artists affected by MS.

As in the past, we will highlight an Artist of the Month throughout the year and share their artwork and their story.

Presenting MSAA’s Artist of the Month for March

We are very excited to present the inaugural Artist of the Month for the 2015 Art Showcase…

March Artist of the Month:
Lisa Yeager – Thousand Oaks, CA

About the Artist:
“In 1990, I was an art director, part-time college student, and more, when I encountered blurred vision and fatigue. I assumed it was due to my busy lifestyle. Three years later, the symptoms returned. Days before my wedding, I had my first MRI. This was the wedding present that I wanted to return. Through tears, I replied that MS had picked the wrong girl!

Today, my family and I enjoy sailing, music, and traveling. I have taken martial arts and improv comedy plus saxophone lessons. I volunteer and visit others with MS. I live each day quoting another … ‘I may have MS but MS doesn’t have me.'”
Read more

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

February 2015 Artist of the Month: Celebrating the Work of Artists Affected by Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on February 6, 2015 by John MSAA

MSAA’s Next Art Showcase for 2015

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 2015 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 2015 Art Showcase!

Presenting MSAA’s Artist of the Month for February

MSAA is very proud to present our 2014 Art Showcase – celebrating the work of artists affected by MS.

February Artist of the Month:
Tammy Jennings – Monterey, CA

About the Artist:

“My name is Tammy Jennings and I live in picturesque Monterey, California. I am a 54-year-old, single woman, and I have been living with multiple sclerosis since 1996; I was 37 when diagnosed. 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 of having more free time and at the suggestion of my cousin, I started painting. It has been a wonderful outlet. The inspiration for the paintings submitted were spring and the beautiful flowers blooming everywhere.”

January 2015 Artist of the Month: Celebrating the Work of Artists Affected by Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on January 9, 2015 by John MSAA

MSAA is very proud to present our 2014 Art Showcase – celebrating the work of artists affected by MS.

January Artist of the Month:
Bob Donner – Apple Valley, MN

About the Artist:

“I think you have MS, the doctor said to my wife and me, and then promptly left the room. We stared at each other, wondering ‘What the heck is MS?’ Of course we’d heard of MS, but to us it was only a charitable cause with no personal connection. Since that day in June 2008 we have learned so much, probably way too much, about MS.

Being forced into ‘medical retirement’ gave me the time to discover I had an artistic side. Due to its constant availability, a computer screen became my canvas. I may be confined to a wheelchair, but my art has opened up a new world to me – a world of color and shapes and shading. It has forced me to look at everything with ‘new”eyes. As limiting as my disability is, I can’t help but be grateful for what it has given me.”

December 2014 Artist of the Month: Celebrating the Work of Artists Affected by Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on December 10, 2014 by John MSAA

A special seasonal December Artist of the Month:
David Desjardins – Union, ME

About the Artist:

“I consider myself to be a very positive and optimistic person, but it was difficult maintaining that attitude when I first learned of my diagnosis, even for me! I’ve always loved to paint, but there constantly seemed to be a situation or reason that demanded my immediate attention first. Now, however, I choose to do something creative with my time rather than giving in entirely to my illness, sitting in a corner mourning my losses.

I am so honored to participate in my second Art Showcase, and I am humbled to be in the company of so many talented artists. I used to paint only for my own enjoyment, but now when I hear how others enjoy my work it really makes my day!”

November 2014 Artist of the Month: Celebrating the Work of Artists Affected by Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on November 5, 2014 by John MSAA

MSAA is very proud to present our 2014 Art Showcase – celebrating the work of artists affected by MS.

November Artist of the Month:
Terry Densford – Jacksonville, FL

About the Artist:

“I was diagnosed with MS on July 4th, 2011 – an easy date to remember…my MS affects my right side, from my face down to my toes, making it hard to speak, write, and other things we sometimes take for granted…

MS is something that hovers over my head. Will it get worse? If it does, how will it affect my life? When is the next time I will have another flare up? Where will I be? What will I be doing? Is my hand just asleep, or is it my MS? All normal questions I believe anyone who struggles with MS, unfortunately, asks themselves on a regular basis. All that being said, I consider myself lucky. I feel fortunate that I was diagnosed early; that there are medical advances out there that have helped me keep this disease under control. I push fear aside so I can continue to move forward. I intend to live my life as if there isn’t anything hindering its quality.”

Calling All Artists with MS
It’s that time of year – MSAA is now accepting submissions for our 2015 Art Showcase! If you haven’t already done so, submit your best artwork by December 18th 2014 for a chance to be a part of next year’s Art Showcase.

Submit your artwork for the 2015 MSAA Art Showcase.

October 2014 Artist of the Month: Celebrating the Work of Artists Affected by Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on October 3, 2014 by John MSAA

MSAA is very proud to present our 2014 Art Showcase – celebrating the work of artists affected by MS.

October Artist of the Month:
Janice Paige – Bel Air, MD

About the Artist:

“I am the mother of two grown sons and a wife of thirty-five years. I was a Special Educator for twenty-eight years…I obviously enjoy sketching and painting. I find it exciting and relaxing.

I was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in the winter of 1999 after a bout with the flu. The doctor that examined me indicated that my right side was weak and that something was going on with my brain. I was so afraid that I just went numb! I was referred to a neurologist who scheduled me for several MRI tests. I was also scheduled for a couple of spinal taps. However, I was not diagnosed for eight months.”

It’s also that time of year – MSAA will soon be accepting submissions for our 2015 Art Showcase! Be on the lookout later this month on mymsaa.org for more information on how to submit your work or sign up to receive MSAA email updates to be the first to know when the Art Showcase is open for submissions!

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