Flip through to read about our patient artists and see their art submitted to Art in Motion 2026.
ART IN MOTION 2026
Welcome to the 23 rd Annual Art in Motion! Tonight, we welcome you to join patient artists and friends in celebrating the transformative power of art. Thank you for being here in support of our art therapy and therapeutic recreation programs. Quality-of-life programs like these are critical to enhancing the patient experience as we provide holistic care to each and every person who comes through our doors. The benefits of these programs cannot be overstated. In addition to enhancing fine motor skills, cognitive abilities and coordination, art therapy helps patients cope with symptoms, stress and emotions that may arise during rehabilitation. Through the creative process, patients are offered an additional channel to address the impact of illness or injury on their physical and psychological function and are invited to explore alternate means of self-expression — and new passions — after changes to their abilities. As you experience the artwork on display this evening, you’ll see firsthand how art therapy contributed to our patient artists’ physical, cognitive and emotional healing. Just as art therapy has helped to transform their lives, your support allows us to bring transformative rehabilitation care to other patients like them — and to serve more patients than ever before, not only here at home in Chicago, but across the United States and in locations around the world through our Global Network. We are thankful for the role you play in our forward momentum. Speaking of momentum, I’d like to close by extending deep gratitude to those who make Art in Motion possible: • Our patient artists, whose creativity, time and talent are vital to this event. • Our art and recreational therapists, whose care and compassion touch countless patients, families and communities each year. • The Associate Board Art in Motion Committee, led by Kristin Abruscato, Kelsey LeFevour and
Alexandra Potter, for their steadfast service to and support of our mission. • Our sponsors, whose financial investment makes this night so special.
• You. Your attendance and generous participation provide critical funding that enable us to offer quality-of-life programs for patients as they resume their previous recreational interests and discover new ones. With joy and gratitude,
Karen Paciero Senior Vice President, Chief Advancement Officer President, Keystone Board
About Art in Motion Benefiting Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
This event showcases artwork created by current and former Shirley Ryan AbilityLab patients. Our goal is to raise awareness for the important role of our art therapy and recreation programs. These programs are unique and contribute greatly to healing, but most are not covered by insurance. All of the funds raised from this event help support these essential programs, as well as our artists. Shirley Ryan AbilityLab understands that emotional recovery is an ongoing part of a patient’s healing journey. Because we treat the whole person, we have created a model of care that not only helps patients and community members restore as much ability as possible, but also helps them return to the lives they love.
Meet the Associate Board
Our Associate Board is a group of emerging business and civic leaders who are committed to raising funds for, increasing awareness of and contributing to the ongoing success of Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. Through collaboration, persistence and friendship, the Associate Board Art in Motion Committee masterfully plans this event each year. Thanks to the committee’s many efforts, we not only are able to experience another vibrant event tonight, but we also can offer art therapy and other vital programs throughout the year to a growing number of patients and community members.
Committee Chairs Kristin Abruscato Kelsey LeFevour Alexandra Potter
Committee Mel Burbules Clare Burke Courtney Cregan
Kevin Hinders Katie Johns Marlena Kavalauskas Joe Morgan Morgan Smith Lyla Sopel Patrick Tomic Liza Ziegler Brady Zunker
Hannah Ellis Scott Gregus Kirsten Hair Jason Handler James Harrington Stephen D. Hiatt-Leonard
Meet the Artists
Brandy Alpha ..........................4 Kwasi Amankwah ...........................5 Rahman Ayi ...........................6 Jim Bilderback ...........................7 Diondai Brown-Whitfield ..........................8 Kyle Cornille ...........................9 Dennis Coughlin ...........................10 Charles Crawford ...........................11 Valerie Ewing ...........................12 Patricio (Pato) Gilchrist ...........................13 Tobi C. Heekin ...........................14 Heidi Hollis ...........................15 Kathryn Hryndej ...........................16 Emily Laackman ...........................17 Ayo Ma ’ at ...........................18 Jacqui McMorris ...........................19 Mariam Paré ...........................20 Tom Perkowitz ...........................21 Genevieve Ramos ...........................22 Pheby Roby ...........................23 Alexis V. Russell ...........................24 Heather Shack ...........................25 Sheila Shaeffer-Hirsh ...........................26 Latya Smith ...........................27 Avah Waldschmidt ...........................28 Lauren Wilke ...........................29 Special Exhibit: Transformation ...........................30
Please note: All artist biographies are written in their own words.
Brandy Alpha
I’m a documentary photographer, and I try to capture everyday human experiences using camera editing software and lighting equipment. I’m a current patient, as I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in summer 2024. It has been a welcoming experience for me to be at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. By walking the halls and seeing the artwork of others, I am deeply inspired to continue my artistic practice despite my disability. I’m involved in the arts community in my neighborhood, and some of my work is on display at the Chicago Cultural Center. I am a full-spectrum doula; I spend lots of quality time with my toddler and family; and I love to visit art galleries and go to concerts. When I was first diagnosed with MS, my vision was affected . Despite this change, I have been even more active with my photography — all because I can’t give up!
Goddess in A Rickshaw #1 Mumbai, India 20” x 16” (framed)
The Light of the Goddesses Surrounds Her Mumbai, India 20” x 16” (framed)
2
Kwasi Amankwah
I came to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in 2012 after having a stroke. Brainstem bleeding led to a loss of function on the right side of my body. After extensive rehabilitation, I regained my lost abilities and was able to walk out of the hospital without using a cane. Art has always been a part of my life, and I use it as an escape that allows me to center myself. I have always been a visual person and like to find inspiration in all I see. My art reflects things that are interesting to me and each piece has some part that is fun or unique. This year, I’ve tried painting on other surfaces … printing on a skateboard deck and 3D-printed statues. When I am not making art, I enjoy spending time with my wife and two boys. I also enjoy playing hockey and basketball. Today, I live by the motto, “Never give up.”
Shirley 2.0 32” x 8.5”
Shirley Ryan 3.0 10.5 size sneakers
Missing 18” x 14”
water 24” x 18”
3
Rahman Ayi
I experienced a traumatic brain injury in 2016 from a head-on car collision near Reno, Nev. After two months in the hospital, I was flown to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in a medical transport, and I began my journey to be healed. From day one, I was treated as a person who had every chance to proceed normally in life. I relearned to walk and did not need a wheelchair for long after my discharge. Occupational therapy helped me adapt to using my left hand, as my right hand was weakened. I returned as an outpatient for occupational and speech therapy to continue healing. When I showed my artwork to a staff member, she told me about art therapy. My art is inspired by world events, reflections of my past and a spiritual focus on life. I like working in oils and acrylic. Through painting, I can relax, keep myself busy and work with my hand. I am happy to give back to the hospital that helped me get my life back. For that I will be forever grateful.
Smokin Angel 21.75” x 17.75” (framed)
ALIEN 20.75” x 16.75” (framed)
UNDERGROUND 21.75” x 17.75” (framed)
4
Jim Bilderback
I came to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in June 2022 following a spinal cord abscess and surgery that left me paralyzed from the waist down. Although I was given a 20% chance of survival, I not only survived my injuries, but I was on my feet again walking after 28 days. I returned in September 2024 after I became paralyzed from the waist down due to a disc and bone pressing on my spinal cord and causing damage. Now, I’m walking fully on my own with no assistance, but I still have partial paralysis. I am eternally grateful for the care and hard work of every staff member at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. I made art in my room as gifts for my therapists and nurses, and on my second time as a patient, I was able to participate in art therapy. I have used all types of paint, but for the last couple years it has been strictly watercolor and Japanese watercolor. I live by the sayings: “Never give up” and “Don’t let your current situation determine your final destination.”
Laughter is the best medicine 16” x 20” (framed)
Boys night out 20” x 16” (framed)
Contagious Laughter 16” x 20” (framed)
Dirty Diaper 20” x 16” (framed)
Laughing Baby 16” x 20” (framed)
Let Them Eat Cake! 36” x 24” (framed)
Diphylleia grayi - Skeleton Flower 20” x 16” (framed)
5
Diondai Brown-Whitfield
I live with Stage 4 heart failure. In November 2023, I came to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for rehabilitation following my second heart pump implant. That was when I was introduced to art therapy. My creative style is spiritually based. I use various mediums as I use my artwork for therapeutic purposes. I tend to use folk art, combined with Afrocentric and landscape imagery. I use fabrics, wood pieces, canvas and graphic artwork. I’m a retired nurse, I love to dance and I’m a storyteller. I’ve been volunteering for 50 years with many organizations, and I even received a lifetime achievement award in January. I also love to spend quality time with my family. I appreciate the invitation to participate in Art in Motion once again and to inspire others who are going through challenges. Art therapy helps me to relax, remain focused and display my spiritual journey to those who are open to seeing and enjoying it.
California Sunshine 12” x 9”
Chi from the Lake MI! 9” x 12”
Light Outshine Chi Darkness 11” x 14”
The Sun Shines Brightly Over the Earth • 12” x 9”
Mother Earth Still Blows 9” x 12”
The Son Sees Us Darkness 11” x 14”
Resting Under the Red Moon 9” x 12”
6
Kyle Cornille
I arrived at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in 2021 after a brainstem stroke left me with locked-in syndrome. Although my cognitive abilities were completely intact, I couldn’t speak or move. Through inpatient care and DayRehab, I regained the ability to walk, talk and use my hands. Shirley Ryan AbilityLab helped me see my abilities. Th art therapy program helped introduce me to the world of adaptive equipment and allowed me the space to process my new way of life through the creation of art. My artwork is expressed through the dichotomous nature of light and dark. For example, in glasswork, a piece’s beauty is fully realized in the sun’s daylight. In late 2024, my hometown of Asheville, N.C., was struck by Hurricane Helene. For Art in Motion this year, I explored the parallels between recovery from a hurricane and recovery from a stroke; recovery is possible no matter the disaster. I’ve learned that in the darkest of days, light can always be found; my artwork explores that balance.
communication after the storm • 8” x 10”
signs we will recover 10” x 8”
LOVE (linocut) 5.75” x 8.5”
spelling with my eyes closed • 8.5” x 6.5”
you can totally do this 4” x 6”
Momentum 5” x 5”
LOVE (stained glass) 9” x 29”
7
Dennis Coughlin
I came to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab after sustaining a spinal cord injury in 2019. Art therapy has given me an outlet during my healing process. When I am not creating art, I enjoy exploring the woods and collecting coins and paper money. I live by the sayings: “Pain is temporary” and “Just keep trying.”
AUTUMN LEAVES 18” x 24”
MIGRATION 16” x 20”
LEAKS 16” x 20”
PURPLE RAIN 16” x 20”
TOUCANS 8” x 10” (diptych)
A. LOT POUR ART WITH STANDS VAROIUS COLORS (10) 3.25” x 3.25”
B. LOT POUR ART WITH STANDS VAROIUS COLORS (10) 3.25” x 3.25”
8
Charles Crawford
I had a stroke in 2016 that caused expressive aphasia. After multiple surgeries, I started therapy at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. I was able to get back to creating art by using my left, non- dominant hand. My experience of “re-finding“ art is a happy one. Thanks to my previous experience with drawing, painting and martial arts, I was able to remain disciplined and focused throughout my healing process. Before my stroke, I owned and operated an art gallery and custom-framing business. I also taught art history, visual arts, martial arts and culinary arts at the high-school level. I recently planted a flower garden, and I found it very therapeutic — just being able to put my hand in the soil and touch the roses. Thanks to therapy at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, I am gradually advancing all of my abilities. My wife and I have a motto: “If anyone can fix it, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab can!!“
Fashion 19.5” x 25.5” (framed)
Cats Meow 26.5” x 20.5”(framed)
Una Casa 20.75” x 26.75”(framed)
Reflections 24” x 20” (framed)
SAMURAI 20” x 16”
Derby Manus 26.5” x 39.75”
Rainbow Mystic 48” x 36”
9
Valerie Ewing
I am a self-taught artist. For as long as I can remember, art has been my passion and preferred form of communication. An unforeseen Parkinson’s disease diagnosis presented a new challenge, as uncontrollable tremors forced me to reevaluate my artistic process. Despite this, a combination of therapy and treatment has enabled me to continue pursuing my career as an artist. In the face of adversity — such as being bedridden, confined to a wheelchair, relying on a walker and now using a cane — art has remained a constant source of solace. With the support of various forms of therapy, I have successfully returned to a productive life. This series of red-white-black pictures combination of these colors creates a bold statement that calls for attention. White blended with either red or black creates pastels of pink and gray — colors that are calm and relaxing and invite the viewer to make a natural connection. I firmly believe my Buddhist practice of chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo has allowed me to make the impossible possible. Art therapy is a gift that lets me express my heart and mind, and I am grateful for its transformative power in my life. explores imagery that strikes an emotional chord for me. Using a
Untitled #2 13” x 10” (framed)
Untitled #1 13” x 10” (framed)
Untitled #3 10” x 13”(framed)
Untitled #4 12.5” x 9.5” (framed)
Untitled #5 13” x 10” (framed)
Untitled #6 10” x 13”(framed)
Untitled #7 9.5” x 9.5” (framed)
10
Patricio (Pato) Gilchrist
I create art for fun, and I use it as a healthy coping skill to relax and release stress. My style is eclectic and free. I go with the flow from what I am feeling that day. I use mixed media, including acrylic, gesso, textures and found objects. I experienced a spinal cord injury due to an accident and became quadriplegic. I came to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in 2023, and it has been a key factor in my recovery. My healing journey started there. I am so grateful for the occupational and physical therapists, doctors, prosthetists and researchers. They have gone above and beyond to help me in this process. Being at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab has helped me physically and emotionally. I feel that I belong, and I feel at home. I want to encourage people to take care of their emotional wellbeing. You can achieve it by expressing and advocating for yourself. You can do it by creating art, being vulnerable and asking for support. You are not alone.
Celestial orbits 20” x 16” (triptych)
Solar Relic 11.5” x 9.5” (framed)
Fault line 19.75” round
Golden Pulse 19.75” round
Lunar Tide 19.75” round
Silent Halo 19.75” round
Miracle morning 11.12” x 11.25” (framed)
11
Tobi C. Heekin
In 2009, my daughter and I were in a serious car accident. Fortunately, my daughter was not injured, but I sustained a spinal cord injury that resulted in paralysis from the waist down. I spent the next 18 months tackling rehabilitation at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in order to regain strength and mobility, and continued therapy as an outpatient. I participated in the art therapy program with the assumption that it would improve my dexterity. However, I quickly discovered, it helped with much more. Creating art enabled me to express my emotions and feelings on paper — whether joyful, sad, frustrated or courageous. It released a creative monster I never knew lived inside of me. Now, I paint not just because I want to, but because I need it. I try to carve out an hour every day to escape to my studio and paint. It’s definitely my happy space, and a nice way to reset, relax and escape.
Better Together 19” x 15” (framed)
Daisy Chain 25.25” x 21.25” (framed)
Our Bond 21.25”x 21.25” (framed)
WAVES II 34.5” x 25.75” (framed)
The Music In Me 23.25” x 29.25” (framed)
The Choir Girls 25.75” x 25.75” (framed)
Life’s A Party 25.25” x 37.25” (framed)
12
Heidi Hollis
I am an author, cartoonist, podcaster, speaker, and frequent guest on various television programs. I am also an occupational therapist. I love everything that I do and wouldn’t change a thing. It sounds busy, and I am, but it works for me. I’ve always found creating art to be healing. Being an occupational therapist myself, I feel art therapy helps the body, mind and soul — it’s essential during my rehabilitation! In my artwork, I often depict the characters from my webcomic, “The Outlanders.” I use acrylic paints and various texturing techniques for effects. This year, I have experimented a bit more with colors and wild backgrounds. Creating art takes me out of my space and into another where I get to fully express myself!
Caught! 20” x 16”
Certain 20” x 16”
On Purpose 20” x 16”
Made You Look 20” x 16”
Peace 20” x 16”
Run! 20” x 16”
Tundra 20” x 16”
13
Kathryn Hryndej
I have been a patient at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for the past six years. After being diagnosed with spina bifida at birth, I was given little chance of physically advancing in life. I endured multiple spine surgeries and now rely on physical therapy to improve my quality of life. Shirley Ryan AbilityLab has also enabled me to become more confident in my abilities. My love of art came as a form of therapy as a child. On monthly hospital appointments, anxiety and fear were all I would feel. Volunteers set up arts and crafts, and my favorite was when they would bring paint. I would create the world outside my fear — and feel safe. I have turned to my art as a form of mental therapy, using art as my outlet to find peace and security. The lighter or darker the piece usually indicates my state of mind. I sketch out designs with ebony pencils, while using acrylic paints to finish.
Cedar Lake Clarity 16” x 20”
Giggles we left over Lake Michigan 16” x 20”
Glory be to the Mornings 20” x 16”
Gone to the beach 20” x 16”
Pebble Beach Peace 16” x 20”
Moving by staying in place 11” x 14”
Power to move mountains 30” x 40”
14
Emily Laackman
I came to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in 2024 to recover from the effects of a non-traumatic brain injury caused by anti-NMDA receptor autoimmune encephalitis. My experience is still a fog due to ongoing memory challenges tied to the disease, but it brought me closer to my normal state than I imagined possible. Art therapy and other therapies I received helped remind me of what I used to take so much joy in. I continue to recover with the help of Shirley Ryan AbilityLab therapists, and I also do art projects at home as part of my cognitive recovery efforts. I use a variety of materials in my different pieces, including photography, disco tiles/mixed-media, and plaster/painting on canvas. My art is an extension of myself, both in the joy that it brings me when making it, as well as the pieces themselves. Creating art is extremely cathartic, and the resulting pieces reflect vulnerable sides of myself that I am proud to produce and share with the world.
Layers of Resilience 11”x11” (framed)
Blue Lagoon 17.75” x 25.75” (framed)
Pebbles on Pebbles (Breakfast Adorned) 20.75” x 24.7” (framed)
When Blue Dreams, Red Remembers 49” x 31” (framed)
Shibuya Crossing 17.75” x 25.75” (framed)
Lonesome Cowboy 9” x 25” (framed)
Mjúkur Brún (The Soft Edge) 49” x 37” (framed)
15
Ayo Ma’at
I have been a patient at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for more than 25 years and have received various types of therapy at the hospital. I regained my independence, self-value and passion for life and art here. Being in a wheelchair does not mute my creativity. As a visual artist — as I draw, paint or make jewelry — I design according to what I see, feel or resonate with from multicultural experiences. I use organic methods to create mainly green artwork, using crystal gemstone beads, glass, silver, goldplate, pewter, resin and wood when making jewelry. I also work in acrylics, watercolor, pastel, charcoal, pen, and watercolor pen to design images to place on canvas board or wood. I find joy in living each day free from resentment despite the negativity of a society that often is biased. I seek balance in life, in my activities and in my artwork.
Lavender Jelly Necklace
Obscured Lady in Living Color 16.5” x 12.5” (framed)
Parasitic Breakthrough 18.5” x 14.5” (framed)
Wood Wonderland Necklace & earrings
Ayurvedic Color 14.5” x 11.5” (framed)
Quantum One Arm Talent 15” x 11.5”(framed)
Quantum Guitar Chords 11” x 14” (framed)
16
Jacqui McMorris
I am a happily retired, 68-year-old, passionate, eclectic artist. I’ve been painting for four years, but doodling my entire adult life. I successfully participated in physical therapy after falling twice in May 2025 and injuring my knee, leg and the back of my thigh. I learned to reposition and rebalance while walking to continue daily activities and stay involved in the community, such as being a line dancer, cardio drummer and Zumba student. My No. 1 activity is painting, a hobby I’ve turned into a passion! My chosen medium is acrylic on canvas. I use palettes; different size brushes; premium and metallic paints; liquid topcoats to protect colors; and non- rusting wire as an added perk for hanging my artwork. I’m a real artist in that I paint what I like, including nature, animals, abstracts, caricatures and some people. My artistry is becoming better and more advanced. 2025 was an unprecedented, banner year for exhibiting my paintings at galleries and fairs. My near-future goal is to have a one-woman show.
Blue Bouquet 12.5” x 15.5” (framed)
BronzeBeigeBeauty 21.25” x 17” (framed)
GetInWhereYouFitIn 18” x 22” (framed)
Facial Waterfall 20” x 16” (framed)
Red Goddess 22.25” x 18.25” (framed)
Shoe Cocktail 22” x 18” (framed)
Sunshine Sundown 12” x 15” (framed)
17
Mariam Paré
I became a patient at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab at age 20 after surviving gun violence by an unknown assailant — an event that changed everything for me physically, emotionally and artistically. I had been an artist before my injury. Rehabilitation became a place where I could rebuild not just my physical abilities, but also my confidence and passion for art. Art therapy was a lifeline during a challenging transition. It gave me a safe space to process my experience and was a helpful way for me to explore my abilities. I learned to write my signature with my mouth, and I learned to use mouth sticks for a variety of things, which led to drawing and painting with my mouth! Now, 23 years later, I am a visual artist, designer and member of Mouth & Foot Painting Artists (MFPA). My colorful portraits and multimedia work incorporate gun violence and disability awareness. I hope my art and the way I paint is a reminder to others that we are all capable of reinvention. When we embrace our circumstances, we can use them to inspire new forms of expression.
Inter-abled No.1 24” x 24”
Inter-abled No.2 24” x 24”
18
Tom Perkowitz
I had a life-changing stroke in 2015 and came to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for my recovery. Art therapy kept me sane during my healing process — not one to sit still, I would often paint between therapies. During my stay, the medical staff would come to watch me paint in my room. Soon after my stroke, I quit my job in corporate America and opened my own art studio. Art has become my life. I love to paint on a large scale and was drawn to murals. I even painted murals in my kids’ bedrooms and in a hallway in their school. My style straddles Impressionism and Realism, often in the same piece, and I usually paint with oil paints. At times it is like painting with light. The colors blend and flow in unexpected ways. Painting with oil is like magic.
Moody Apples 16” x 20”
Angus Calf 27” x 27” (framed)
Dinosaur Skull 42” x 42” (framed)
Old San Juan Street 39.5” x 39.5” (framed)
Ripe Tomatoes 21” x 25” (framed)
The Nile 25.25” x 49.25” (framed)
Textured Giraffe 39.5” x 27.75” (framed)
19
Genevieve Ramos
I am a Chicago-based painter and disability advocate. My art merges vibrant, pop-inspired acrylics with themes of feminism, disability and identity. In 2011, I was in a life-altering car accident that affected my ability to speak and left me physically challenged. After a three- month stay at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, I found new abilities and hope for life. The impact art therapy made on my life was profound. Grounded in my personal experiences, including my rehabilitation, I use my art to challenge stereotypes and amplify marginalized voices. My process often involves layering intuitive underdrawings with bold colors to create dynamic, narrative-driven pieces. I try to evoke beauty and emotion that viewers can feel, and I want them to appreciate my voice through my visual creativity. I feel it’s my job to share the beauty I see in others and the world through my art.
See My Soul 15” x 12”(framed)
Adversity is colorful 14” x 11” (framed)
See 16” x 20”
Study 15” x 12” (framed)
20
Pheby Roby
I was a patient at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in 2021. I had a third stroke during my heart transplant, and participated in therapy in the Nancy W. Knowles Strength + Endurance Lab. While I was there, I had art therapy. It gave me a sense of achievement. In my paintings, I use acrylic paint on a canvas. I can do a landscape or a still life painting. I like abstract painting with fluid acrylic, too. Recently, due to cold weather, I temporarily gave up wet painting and started surface designing.
Abstract Flowers 16” x 20”
Golden mess 16” x 20”
Red Abstract Flowers 16” x 20”
Ocean 16” x 20”
Frozen Lake 16” x 20”
Abstract Gladiolus 20” x 16”
Fluid acrylics with copper, green, orange 14” x 14”
21
Alexis V. Russell
Art has always been a form of therapy for me. It has been my safe space — a place where I can express my emotions and let my creativity run free. On February 29, 2024, I was a passenger in a traumatic motor vehicle accident that changed my life forever. I was treated at three different hospitals before being transferred to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for intensive rehabilitation. Initially, fear and uncertainty made it difficult to know how to begin healing, both in body and in spirit. The art sessions at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab became a place where I could breathe, process my emotions, and transform my experiences into something meaningful. Shirley Ryan helped me rebuild hope and move forward with greater courage, clarity, and compassion for myself. Through art therapy, I found my way back to myself and learned to cherish the most precious masterpiece of all… this blessed, beautiful life.
blue ain’t your color 9” x 12”
27 going on 25 11” x 14”
Cosmo 8” x 10”
Wanda 8” x 10”
Peace Before the Mayhem 11” x 14”
Movin’ & Groovin’ 14” x 11”
Shirley 9” x 12”
22
Heather Shack
I had a severe ischemic stroke in 2011. I discovered watercolor painting as part of my recovery. I learned to paint using my left hand, after losing function of my dominant right hand. Also, my stroke caused aphasia, which limited my ability to speak, read and write. Art has become a means to express myself. I participated in my first art show in 2013 and launched my first business in 2015, selling original artwork, then fine art prints and greeting cards, and eventually expanding to include clothing and accessories. A portion of my sales is donated to a program close to my heart to help stroke patients and their caregivers improve their quality of life. Painting helps to give me some sense of independence. Being able to overcome the physical and cognitive deficits I have, to become accomplished at art and to see people enjoy my paintings validates the effort it took to get here and fuels my confidence to keep going.
Navy Pier 16” x 13” (framed)
Summer in the City 23.25” x 27.25” (framed)
Chicago Theatre 14” x 18” (framed)
Chicago Water Tower 18” x 14” (framed)
Beautiful Butterfly 22” x 18” (framed)
Thai Market 29” x 36.5” (framed)
23
Sheila Shaeffer-Hirsh
I am a retired librarian and elementary school teacher. I came to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for inpatient rehabilitation after spine surgery to replace a degenerated disc. I am so grateful to everyone ... the doctors, nurses, PCTs, therapists, art therapist, chaplain, housekeepers and food service team members. Everyone was kind, patient and encouraging. I feel that I made great progress because of their holistic approach to treatment. Being artistic and creative has helped me to heal. I like to use what I have learned to challenge myself to combine multiple mediums in my art. I use leather, paper, cloth, thread, metal, paint, ink and enamel. I usually am working on multiple pieces so I can step back and let my art tell me what to do next. I’ve been on a creative journey over many years. There have been some detours, but no roadblocks. My art shows what I’ve learned and who I am.
Two Hand-Forged Bracelet (2)
Forged Silver Dangle Earrings
Two Circles Pendant Necklace
Red and Gold Pendant Necklace
Fold formed, textured cuff Bracelet
Red Leather Book 7” x 5” x 1.24”
Hand Sewn Blue Seashell Book 5” x 3.25” x 1”
24
Latya Smith
In 2013, I first started noticing symptoms of foot drop after I almost fell down the stairs. I had a bony growth that was protruding into my spinal cord. I first stayed at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in 2021 following surgery. That’s when I was introduced to art therapy. I was frustrated and scared because it was the first time I had such a major surgery, and I couldn’t walk after. The art therapist had me start by drawing a picture. It was my first time drawing in years. It let me know that — no matter what my situation is — I could do it. I’m into all kinds of art. I love working with charcoal. There’s something about the messiness of charcoal that I love. I really like abstract art. No two pieces are ever alike. Each piece is an expression of how I’m feeling or what assignment is given to me. I am an artist. I love sharing my joy with people around me.
The Genesis Theater, A Waukegan Illinois Iconic Theater • 11” x 14” (framed)
Seedlings in Nature 12” x 15” (framed)
“A pile of concrete blocks” 11” x 22” (framed)
“The depths of fabric” 26” x 22” (framed)
The Window, “What will you see when you look out” 22” x 26.5” (framed)
25
Avah Waldschmidt
I came to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab because of rapid neuromotor regression. I had trouble walking, eating and navigating my augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device, which is hugely important since I am autistic and non-speaking. I learned I have Parkinsonism, and I received intensive feeding therapy as well as occupational, speech and physical therapy. Currently, I’m a sophomore in high school. Fifteen months after my hospital stay and starting medication, my symptoms are now stable! I come to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab four times a year for baseline checks, but now I’m in cheerleading! I’m able to run again! Eat again! And navigate my AAC device more quickly! I’m myself again! Being nonverbal, art has always been one way that I’m able to clearly communicate my thoughts, feelings and expressions with the world around me. I always enjoyed when art therapy came to my room at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab! I’m a very creative person and so painting on a pillowcase or beading bracelets made my day! It was the one thing I could still do that made me feel like me.
One more ride on the Ferris wheel at Navy pier 36.75” x 36.75” (framed)
26
Lauren Wilke
My art is my heart, it is who I am, and is one of the reasons I fight to physically keep moving. My art gives freedom with simple tools, primarily my pencils and paper along with several types of erasers. Even though I add to my drawings with other materials, the simple pencil and eraser have adapted to my challenges with my hands the best. Art gives me purpose. When facing a degenerative neurological medical condition, art makes me feel normal. Even though my ability to move is becoming more limited, I can continue to learn more about how to draw and move forward. My imagination has no limitations. On bad days, art gives me a reason to get up and move and push myself physically. Art is my voice to express my feelings, my challenges and who I am. I also like to think there is a piece of myself that will always live on someday. Everyone has an artist within themselves. The time I spent at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab gave me more help than I can express in only words. It was hope for me.
Estival 20” x 16”
Hibernal 20” x 16”
Vernal 20” x 16”
Trumpets Call 12” x 18” (framed)
Autumnal 20” x 16”
Outside Margins 14” x 13”
Before Ego 26” x 27” (framed)
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Transformation Special Exhibit
This year, our patient artists selected Transformation as our special exhibit theme. This theme celebrates the resilience it takes to navigate life’s challenges and honors the ongoing process of evolution. Our patient artists explored their personal growth and the moments — both subtle and profound — that shape who they are and who they are becoming.
Brandy Alpha A Goddess on Midwest Shores, Saugatuck Mi 11” x 11” (framed)
Kyle Cornille Transformation 6” x 4”
Dennis Coughlin SPECIAL 10” x 10”
Patricio (Pato) Gilchrist 8 Oculo 19.75” round
Tobi C.Heekin The Women of Transformation 11.25” x 11.25” (framed, diptych)
Valerie Ewing Untitled #8 10.5” x 10.5”
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Kathryn Hryndej Wind-eye 10” x 10”
Emily Laackman Passage 11” x 11” (framed)
Ayo Ma’at Transformation Layered 8” x 10”
Tom Perkowitz Life from Death 16” x 16” (framed)
Pheby Roby Redemption from the Enemy 10” x 10”
Alexis V. Russell Reborn 12” x 10” (framed)
Diondai Brown-Whitfield Freedom1 #8 10” x 10”
Lauren Wilke Transformation 16” x 20” (framed)
Latya Smith “Coming out of chaos” 11” x 10” (framed)
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Thank You to Our Sponsors
Art Curator Wilshire Charitable Foundation
Art Expert Dolan Family Foundation Michuda Construction The Nommensen Family
Art Connoisseur Jonathan M. Tingstad & Shannon Corbin, MD
Art Aficionado Tengelsen Family Foundation The Krusinski Family Fund
Art Enthusiast Anonymous Alexander Nadolna & Maggie Pucker Cali Cosgrove Courtney Cregan, Real Estate Agent Fifth Third Bank In Honor of Marcia Opp & the Henry B. Betts, MD, LIFE Center Interiors for Business, Inc. Jennifer & Ryan Vilnius Joe Morgan, Associate Board
Keith & Laura Ferrio Lisa & John Cregan Michael Swan Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Seaman Nancy Paridy & Steve Naughton Nicollette Roggeveen, Taft Sharon O’Keefe & Hal Moore Susan & Michael Canmann
As of 2.17.2026
We are overjoyed and grateful for your participation in the 23 rd annual Art in Motion. We hope you enjoy the amazing creations of our patient artists and come away with a sense of awe. Please know that the success of our work at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab relies on the support of our generous donors, including you.
If you’d like to champion our mission and vision, please scan or visit sralab.org/AIM-give to make a gift.
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