My Colors of MS Initiative

The My Colors of MS initiative, made possible through a Regional Arts and Culture Council (RACC, Portland OR) and an Awesome Foundation (Portland Chapter) grant, captures the individual creativity, hope and inspiration of the MS community and brings them to light through a unique collaborative art project.

Attendees will receive the same “MRI template” – essentially a black and white, simple depiction of an MRI image. During the event, you are free to apply your own creativity and ideas to your template in any way that inspires you. It is meant to be a blank canvas that allows you to dream up and create your own custom MRI that you'd want the world to see.

Attendees will also be encouraged to write a sentence of advice about living with MS. This might be an inspirational quote, or simple guidance for navigating MS.

All of the individual creations, including the written advice, will be collected and combined into one large mosaic piece. I will add signature details to the mosaic, including threading, to unify the piece; bringing both the art and the MS community together.

I believe it is important to have hopeful, inspirational and relatable art in patient care facilities, thus the final piece will be donated to the Providence Brain and Spine Institute in Portland, OR. Here, people living with MS can easily view the ideas, creativity and personal thoughts of those in their MS community.

The How

1. When you register for the event, you will be asked for your address. This is so the MRI template can be mailed to you directly prior to the event. 

2. Join on 3/28 for ideas on how to create your MRI, to learn more about the initiative, and to hear Lindsey speak about the Colors of MS project.

3. Return your completed MRI art in the pre-paid return envelope once complete, mailed no later than 4/15.

4. If you aren't able to make the 3/28 event, but are still interested in creating your MRI art, the event will be recorded and available following the date. Please register so that a template can be sent to you, and so Lindsey can anticipate the final number of art pieces. Completed MRI art pieces need to be mailed no later than 4/15 (postage paid return envelope will be included).

5. Your name will be included on the final mosaic piece plaque, please send Lindsey a note with your art if you prefer to be anonymous. Estimated mosaic completion will be in June 2021, and contributors will be emailed photos of the final piece. A photo book capturing the art, process, and written contributions will also be produced in 2021.