Hope Lives: Art for ALS

 

 

 

Hello -

 

My name is Melissa Stephens , and I am an artist living and working in Walnut Creek, CA. I have worked as an artist, art teacher and arts advocate for more than 30 years. As an artist, it is my privilege to inspire others to hang on to hope, and choose joy. In that spirit, I’m asking for you to support my fundraising art exhibition, Hope Lives: Art for ALS, opening May 1 - 31, 2022, at the San Francisco Women Artists Gallery.

 

In July 2020, my sister was diagnosed with ALS. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease) is a neurodegenerative disease with no known cure. It causes the neurons in the brain to lose connection with a person’s muscles - stealing a person’s ability to walk, talk, eat and (eventually) breathe. My sister, Lynn, has a beautiful laugh, works hard and loves fiercely. She lives in Minnesota with her husband and 3 boys. Living far away from her challenges my ability to offer assistance, but this fundraiser is my attempt to show her how much I care.

 

My goal is to raise $1400 by April 22, 2022. This is the rental amount for the walls of the gallery. Once the walls are paid, all of the event's funds will go to the ALS Association - Golden West Chapter, which advocates for people with ALS. Any money raised above the goal, will also be donated here. Be a warrior of hope, and help me make this show a success!

 

 

About the fundraiser:

The San Francisco Women Artists Gallery has confirmed my use of the Artists Salon in May, and generously deferred their commission. This means that 35-50+% of all art sales will go directly to the ALS Association. As a show of thanks, I am donating my encaustic painting, "Clouds " ($650 value) as a silent auction item, with proceeds split between the Gallery and the ALS Association.

The exhibition will be comprised of artwork created by myself and twelve invited artists working in various art forms and styles, with an overall theme of: hope, serenity, gratitude, family and love. Artists will share and personally represent their work at the opening reception and a special Meet the Artist event. I will also host an ALS Education Day, with guest speakers and an art activity. The event is free to the public and everyone is invited! Please mark your calendars and share these events with your friends and family!

Gallery Reception: Saturday, May 7th from 2 - 4 pm

Corner 103  Wine Tasting & Artist Talk: Thursday, May 12th from 2:30 - 4:30 pm

ALS Awareness Day & Family Art Project: Date & Time TBD

Thank you in advance for your donation. If you are in the Bay Area of California, I hope you will join me.
San Francisco Women Artists Gallery  647 Irving Street, at 8th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94122
 
Discover how Lynn and her family are tackling ALS with this Strike Out ALS  baseball fundraiser video that was recorded last year.