About the Cover Artist: Inspirational Beach at Sunset by Mary Amundson

Mary Amundson lives just outside of Spring Grove, Minnesota. She was born and raised just outside of Eitzen but has lived near Spring Grove since 1970 and has enjoyed art her entire life.

In March 2020, Mary was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Since her diagnosis, Mary has experienced a loss of the use of her hands and arms and has limited use of her legs and feet.

Mary has always been very creative and was encouraged by her 2 youngest boys to try painting again following her diagnosis. Her first attempt was a watercolor painting done by holding the brush between her teeth. That painting turned out beautifully, but she started having severe headaches due to the pressure she experienced by trying to hold the brush steady. Mary’s youngest son suggested that she try painting using her feet, and he attempted to paint a picture that way, and it turned out fairly well. This inspired Mary to attempt it herself. Her first attempt was using watercolor paint and applying it with her toe. After that, she tried using a brush held between her toes. She has experimented with tempera paint and finger paint but has decided that her favorite is watercolor paint.

Mary has also been inspired to participate in the Visual Arts Club and other classes with the Creative Pursuits Art Program administered by the ALS Association. This program offers a variety of courses and clubs designed for people living with ALS and their caregivers.

Mary signs all of her paintings with her toe print in one of the lower corners. Mary gives God the glory for being able to continue being creative in this way.

More information about the Creative Pursuits Arts Program may be found online: https://www.als.org/support/programs/creative-pursuits-program