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NOT YOUR AVERAGE SUMMER CAMP
 

I began researching this body of work almost by accident in my late teens. In 2004, I was accepted as a volunteer cabin counselor for the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s weeklong summer camp for children. At the time, I was a junior in high school and had heard the words “Muscular Dystrophy” but knew really nothing beyond the name.  Admittedly, my purpose in volunteering was to get a good line on my college resume and–candidly–to meet girls. That said, it took about ten minutes with those kids to shift my mindset entirely and open my eyes to the impact of Muscular Dystrophy.

 

Muscular Dystrophy–as I now know–is actually a wide ranging group of incurable diseases that cause progressive weakness, degeneration, or permanent muscle loss that can ultimately lead to significantly decreased life expectancy. Many forms of the disease begin to take effect while the individual is still in the womb, which leads to a disproportionate impact on children specifically. 

 

Now, fast forward 18 years to today…

 

Since that first day in 2004 I have maintained my involvement with the Muscular Dystrophy Association and have held various roles at summer camps throughout the nation. Through those experiences I have seen the frustration and lack of confidence these children have in their artistic abilities because of the effects of their disease. Too many times, I have heard children make statements like “I used to love to paint but can’t hold a paintbrush anymore”...and that is not acceptable. Through problem solving, adapting Art materials, and custom building Art supplies, I was able to show the children that their disease cannot stop them from making Art and expressing themselves. As a result, this body of work came to be. 

 

What does this body of work do (and what will it continue to do)?

 

This body of work, that revolves around the lives of children who have Muscular Dystrophy, began in 2014 and is meant to represent the truth that this disease cannot and should not hold anyone back from creating Art and expressing their artist vision. The work acts as another voice in raising awareness of the diseases through conversation and observation. Additionally, this is a collection that has helped to directly fund the successful operation of multiple camps across the country.

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