MSAA to Present Second Virtual Art Tour Featuring Artists With Multiple Sclerosis

Each year, the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America’s (MSAA’s) Art Showcase celebrates beautiful artwork created by people with MS.

Have you ever wondered about the artistic process of MSAA’s Art Showcase participants – what inspires them to create, what are some of their favorite techniques, and how did they learn about the MSAA Art Showcase?

MS art showcase

On Tuesday, April 12, 2022, join MSAA for a deep dive into the Art Showcase and learn more about four of our incredible participants at the second Virtual Art Tour of the Improving Lives Through Art Spring Series. Host and art enthusiast, Joe Caliva, will interview each artist and learn about their personal stories of how art has made an impact on their MS journey.

Featured artists

Learn more below about the four artists you’ll hear from during this event:

Eileen Dillon

“The beauty of nature has lured me into real places and imaginary ones. I hope my art sparks a sense of adventure in your heart and stimulates your imagination, that can take you to places you’ve never been before.”

Bean Fairbanks

“I practice art to improve my physical, emotional, and cognitive health. I don’t have a true style because learning new things is important to healing my wounded brain. So, I create in many different styles and with a variety of media.

In four years, I have gone from being someone terrified of picking up a brush with my shaky hands and terrible vision to an artist that sells my works in a variety of shows. I have won two scholarships in the past two years to Seattle art academies.

I have dedicated myself to making art creation available to people with a variety of disabilities. As I learn more about modifications (I paint with my arm suspended in a sling on the end of a fishing pole attached to my wheelchair!) I am sharing that knowledge with schools and non-profits.”

Shana Stern

“A former writer and dancer, I began painting when I could no longer write or dance due to a multitude of symptoms from multiple sclerosis. Unable to hold a paintbrush, I created my own method of painting, using my fingers.

Music triggers the experience of moving colors in my mind, so I listen to nothing but one song while I work, trying to translate what I see onto the canvas.

I utilize highly texturized mediums and materials which cause light to shimmer, bounce and change colors depending on the angle you see a painting from – so the paint seems to “move.”

Attempting to make something beautiful as I use my fingers to make the paint dance across the canvas, is my way of fighting back against the daily uncontrollable issues I have with my MS. Through my art, I now tell stories with paint.  And I once again dance – with my hands.”

Maria Sammartino

“I was born into a family of artists and have spent many years creating art alongside my grandfather and brother. After being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2009, I found myself immersed in painting on a daily basis in order to help alleviate the physical pain that MS can cause. I have been a featured artist in local South Jersey juried shows and exhibitions, and currently have paintings hanging at the Perelman Center in Philadelphia, Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital, and Medford Community Center.

I have always been drawn and intrigued by abstract art in landscape scenes and everyday life, and thus present the viewer with a challenge in self-described “imagined landscapes” and abstract art that often defy rules of perspective and dimension. Each painting is different from the next, and not easily described. I mix a vibrant palette in what seems to be endless layers and texture, challenging the viewer to label or describe them easily.”

To purchase your tickets for this event, please visit MSAA’s website at: https://engage.mymsaa.org/event/improving-lives-through-art-virtual-tour/e356189

If you want to enjoy the virtual program with an extra special treat, choose the premium ticket item when purchasing. Whether you are a beer or wine drinker, or just love some good snacks, we have great options for you. Tickets must be purchased by 4/1/22 in order for baskets to arrive by the event day. Tickets purchased after 4/1/22 will still receive their indicated basket, but it is not guaranteed to arrive on the event date.