Greetings!

As 2023 comes to a close, I'd like to say thank you for following me and keeping in touch. Connections are such a lifeline, and are so appreciated. It is interesting that some connections I've known for quite a few years while others I've never met! Yet knowing you are reading my newsletter and reaching out with a email or comment really means a lot to me.

2023 was a full year!

Starting with the Glaucoma Research Foundation's annual gala and Glaucoma 360 in February 2023, I was honored to again be the Chair for the art show and silent auction for visually impaired artists.

Sergio Gomez, gallery owner at 33 Contemporary in Chicago and now based in Miami, internationally known artist, founder of the Art NXT Level program, blogger, and podcast host invited me to chat on his podcast. He then donated a virtual gallery to be linked to the GRF website with all of the artwork in the 2024 show. How generous! I'm so grateful for this connection.

For the last few years I've been a guest lecturer via Zoom at Boston University for students in the Biochemical Engineering and Graduate Program in Neuroscience on the connection between the brain, vision loss and creating art. This year I did two such lectures. The student participation is just wonderful and they ask such great questions. This is another connection which I thoroughly enjoy.

Over the summer, an article I wrote was accepted into the publication "The Ophthalmologist" and will be published next year. I'm quite proud of this achievement. It is based on the art of visually impaired artists, like myself.

In 2023, I entered and was accepted into four juried shows, including Penn Collage in Penn State, the York Art Association and Creative York in York PA. Locally my work was displayed at the Hansom Cab, the York Art Association, Martin Foot & Ankle and Leg Up Farms in York PA, and The Red Raven Art Company in Lancaster PA.

Participating in The Glaucoma Foundation Art Challenge in New York City, my artwork helped to raise funds for research and education and to create awareness. The link is below.

https://glaucomafoundation.org/art-challenge-2023

Currently, I am part of the steering committee for the upcoming Glaucoma Research Foundation's Patient Summit in Philadelphia in June 2024, at the Lowe's Hotel. More on that to come.

A few weeks ago I wrapped up a PSA with the Glaucoma Research Foundation and Bosch and Lomb called "The Faces of Glaucoma" which will be a part of January's month long glaucoma awareness campaign. it will be prominent on social media and you'll be certain to get a link!

And finally, in February 2024 I will be headed back to the Westin St. Francis Hotel for Glaucoma 360, kicking off with the annual gala. I am honored to be presented with the President's Award from the Glaucoma Research Foundation. I can't quite wrap my head around this one but I've already got the dress!

Again, thank you for your kindness, and supporting me on this amazing journey. 2024 is shaping up to be another productive year. It would be a dream come true for me to see a cure for glaucoma and vision restoration in my lifetime. I will do whatever I can to create awareness through art and the connections I have cultivated with visually impaired artists worldwide. More art from the upcoming show in San Francisco will be posted here, along with the bios of the artists. It's going to be a great show.

https://glaucoma.org/events/annual-gala/