Sarah Eames' Drawing Accepted into MDA Art Collection

A drawing by Sarah Eames of Kirkland, Wash., has been accepted into the Muscular Dystrophy Association Art Collection. Now in its 21st year, the Collection features artwork by children and adults affected by neuromuscular disease.

"The Singing Snowmen" is the first artwork by Eames to be accepted into the Collection. The original 15-by-17-inch marker drawing features three snowmen caroling in the snow.

Eames, 21, has been drawing since she was 4 years old. She currently attends Bellevue College, where she studies early childhood education and sings in a choral group.

Eames has consistently participated in the Mercer Island Visual Arts League and is a member of the Peninsula Art Association in Shelton, Wash. In her free time, Eames designs cards and other artwork for the Seattle Children's Hospital and hopes to one day take cartooning classes at Bellevue College.

Eames has myasthenia gravis, a rare autoimmune disease that causes weakness in muscles that control the eyes, face, neck and limbs.

"The Singing Snowmen" is on display at MDA's national headquarters in Tucson, Ariz., and can be seen at mda.org/about/community-programs/art-collection.

"We're thrilled to include the artwork of Sarah Eames in the MDA Art Collection," said MDA Senior Vice President of Community Programs Mike Blishak. "Sarah is a driven young lady, and her drawing is an example of her talents and ability to communicate through art. Her contribution is a valuable addition to the collection."

The MDA Art Collection was established in 1992 and showcases nearly 400 works by individuals from all 50 states. The Collection highlights the creativity and achievements of artists of all ages with disabilities.

Selected art from the Collection has been exhibited at the Dallas Museum of Art; Cork Gallery at Lincoln Center and the Forbes Collection in New York City; Chicago Public Library; Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art; Los AngeLes Children's Museum; Capital Children's Museum, Washington, D.C.; and many other sites.

In the Seattle area, MDA maintains a clinic for children and adults with neuromuscular diseases at the University of Washington and Seattle Children's Hospital.

About MDA
MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to finding treatments and cures for muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education.

In addition to funding more than 250 research projects worldwide, MDA maintains a national network of 200 medical clinics; facilitates hundreds of support groups for families affected by neuromuscular diseases; and provides local summer camp opportunities for thousands of youngsters living with progressive muscle diseases.

For more information, visit mda.org and follow MDA on Facebook (facebook.com/MDAnational) and Twitter (@MDAnews).

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