About the Cover Artist: Arches, Bryce Canyon by Amy Bekier

This issue’s cover features the work of Amy Bekier, an award-winning artist known for her evocative work in soft pastels and oils. “Painting with pastel yields a sensuous feeling allowing for vibrancy and softness,” Amy said. “Oils offer a saturation of color and suppleness unlike any other medium.”

Creativity, for Amy, is not just expression—it’s perseverance. Living with facioscapulohumeral disease (FSHD), one of the more prevalent forms of muscular dystrophy, Amy has adapted by teaching herself to paint with her nondominant hand since losing dexterity in the other. Rewiring the connection between mind and hand requires immense patience and persistence. Her passion for golf has been eclipsed by the easel as her condition has progressed.

Originally from Long Island, NY, Amy earned a Master of Science in Education and built a successful career as an insurance agent before relocating to San Diego, CA in retirement. Having witnessed FSHD affect multiple members of her family, Amy has embraced a mindset of resilience and determination. She approaches life with zest, curiosity, and humor, and is a dedicated volunteer advocate and activist. As the Vice Chair of the FSHD Society, she collaborates with others to advance research and support efforts towards treatments and a cure for this challenging disease. Learn more at www.fshdsociety.org.

Amy lives by the motto, “I wish to leave an echo in the halls where I have walked.” You can explore her portfolio at www.amyzoeart.com.