Formerly a pharmacist, Cato has studied art all her life, including stints in Europe and the Art Students League of Denver. She now creates commissioned art and other original works in several media. This painting is a portrait of Cato’s rottweiler service dog, Faust, who assists her by retrieving objects, opening doors, turning lights on and off, and performing other tasks.

Susan began drawing in childhood. She creates digital artwork on a computer due to hand weakness. Susan has received awards for her art. She advertises and sells art on her Web site, and offers photo editing and restoration.

Lisa graduated from the University of Southwestern Louisiana with a degree in education and teaches preschool children.

Edgar created this artwork for the 2000 MDA Holiday Wishes card collection. He is a retired teacher, having taught in New York City and Tampa, Fla., and is a former Hollywood film set designer.

Richard has been doing pencil art for nearly 10 years. His other hobbies include woodworking, traveling, landscaping and bird watching. Richard has won awards for his artwork at local county fairs.

Alan created this artwork at age 8 at an MDA-sponsored children’s art workshop held May 3, 1992, at the Chicago Art Institute. He was involved with student government in high school and enjoys coin collecting.

Lynn has an associate’s degree from El Camino College in Torrance, Calif., and works full time in aerospace engineering. She has been taking photos for five years and recently began painting.

Rosalie is interested in clay sculpture, watercolor painting, pastels, ceramics and oil painting. She is retired from real estate sales, and does volunteer work for MDA and her church.

Al has been involved with art all his life. He has won numerous awards for his sculpture, including first place in shows sponsored by the city of Beverly Hills, and the Chambers of Commerce of Century City and Westwood in Los Angeles. He also is a decorated World War II Marine for serving in the Pacific Theater, including Guadalcanal.