Painting a Picture of Success
January 1, 2007
How one consumer brings her artistic visions to life
Art starts with a vision. The artist makes that vision into something real.
That’s certainly the case for Cristina Waldner, a young woman with muscular atrophy from Rosenort, Manitoba who has grown up with Easter Seals Manitoba and SMD – and with an interest in art.
“I first became interested in art in Grade six,” recalls Cristina. “My two older sisters were involved in music lessons and sports, and I was beginning to feel like I needed a hobby too.”
“I began taking art lessons with a local artist that year. I realized that this was something I could really enjoy despite my disability.”
A painting Cristina did for her mother received a lot of compliments… and a lot of requests for her work. She made prints of her three favourites, which she sold from her home. Since then, Cristina has displayed and sold pieces at a local café as well as at several art shows at a church in Winnipeg.
“As an artist, I feel like I have learned so much about techniques and styles,” says Cristina. “I would have to say that my drawing skills have improved with time. For the past six years I had been painting primarily with watercolors. This year I am experimenting with acrylic paint and I’m loving it!”
Just as Cristina’s art has evolved, so too has her relationship with SMD. When she was younger, her family received financial assistance for respite and material assistance through Children’s Special Services. Now with Adult Services, Cristina is receiving help tapping into educational resources that will help her make a new vision a reality: the vision for her career.
“As a first year student, I am only taking introductory courses,” says Cristina who is attending the Canadian Mennonite University in Winnipeg. “I am hoping to major in English and work towards a Bachelor of Arts. I am interested in becoming an editor.”
As Cristina continues with her art and her education, she knows that SMD and Easter Seals will continue to be there offering support.
“Throughout the years, SMD (with the help of Easter Seals Manitoba) has funded and supported me through special equipment and countless other resources. Without these organizations, my family and I would be at a loss.”
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