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SmallerMUNCIE, Ind.- Marilynn Derwenskus, a professor of art at Ball State University, felt powerless when she first heard the news that her 2-year-old grandson Matthew was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor.
"In October he was playing ball, and now he can't speak or eat," Derwenskus said. "It is emotionally draining, especially to see a little kid who was so healthy in a situation like this."
Just two days prior to his second birthday, Matthew had the first surgery to remove part of the growth. A second operation was later performed to remove the remainder of the tumor that had wrapped around his brain stem, Derwenskus said.
During a recent hospital visit, Derwenskus spent some time painting with Matthew. Being able to create colorful images energized him and gave him something to smile about, she said. The uplifting visit also gave her an idea of how she could help her ailing grandson even more.
Derwenskus, whose art career spans 40 years, has had paintings displayed in nearly 255 national and international exhibitions. She has also won nearly 150 awards and earned nearly 20 grants and fellowships. She has decided to hold a benefit, selling some of her award-winning paintings at her art studio at 405 S. Walnut St. in Muncie.
The Matthew Benefit Studio Sale will be held Jan. 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with all proceeds going toward her grandson's medical costs. Hundreds of watercolors, encaustics, oil, and acrylic paintings, as well as sketches of Italian landscapes, will be on sale. Prices range from 22-by-30 inch watercolors for $50 to larger works up to 5-by-7 feet for $300.
Matthew's family is insured, but not all of his treatment is covered. Two previous surgeries, continuing radiation treatments and additional therapy are causing medical expenses to mount. For example, one side effect from the surgery impaired Matthew's inner ear, which affects his balance. He is showing signs of improvement, but has had to relearn to walk while undergoing treatment at St. Jude's Children's Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.
For more information, contact Derwenskus at (765) 282-2759.
"In October he was playing ball, and now he can't speak or eat," Derwenskus said. "It is emotionally draining, especially to see a little kid who was so healthy in a situation like this."
Just two days prior to his second birthday, Matthew had the first surgery to remove part of the growth. A second operation was later performed to remove the remainder of the tumor that had wrapped around his brain stem, Derwenskus said.
During a recent hospital visit, Derwenskus spent some time painting with Matthew. Being able to create colorful images energized him and gave him something to smile about, she said. The uplifting visit also gave her an idea of how she could help her ailing grandson even more.
Derwenskus, whose art career spans 40 years, has had paintings displayed in nearly 255 national and international exhibitions. She has also won nearly 150 awards and earned nearly 20 grants and fellowships. She has decided to hold a benefit, selling some of her award-winning paintings at her art studio at 405 S. Walnut St. in Muncie.
The Matthew Benefit Studio Sale will be held Jan. 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with all proceeds going toward her grandson's medical costs. Hundreds of watercolors, encaustics, oil, and acrylic paintings, as well as sketches of Italian landscapes, will be on sale. Prices range from 22-by-30 inch watercolors for $50 to larger works up to 5-by-7 feet for $300.
Matthew's family is insured, but not all of his treatment is covered. Two previous surgeries, continuing radiation treatments and additional therapy are causing medical expenses to mount. For example, one side effect from the surgery impaired Matthew's inner ear, which affects his balance. He is showing signs of improvement, but has had to relearn to walk while undergoing treatment at St. Jude's Children's Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.
For more information, contact Derwenskus at (765) 282-2759.
