"Making the Invisible Visible: Intersectional Perspectives of Artist Id" by Anna Liza De Leon Evangelista, Chloé Welmond et al.

Date of Award

Spring 2025

Access Restriction

Research Projects

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Marital and Family Therapy

School or College

College of Communication and Fine Arts

First Advisor

Nancy Choe

Abstract

The intersection of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), systemic healthcare disparities, and art-making remains underexplored within the arts and health literature. While research often highlights the therapeutic benefits of creative expression, it rarely examines how art-making empowers individuals with MS. This study addresses this gap by exploring: (1) how MS influences participants’ art practice, (2) how art impacts the participants’ experiences of MS, and (3) how individuals navigate the United States healthcare system. The research centers on women and gender expansive individuals and takes an intersectional lens to better understand marginalized experiences of those living with MS. These underrepresented groups frequently encounter healthcare environments that overlook their unique needs, contributing to an experience of disempowerment and invisibility. Through a participatory action research (PAR) approach using photovoice (Wang & Burris, 1997), this study invites artists living with MS to document their experiences, not only as patients but also as creative agents. By positioning participants as co-researchers with agency over their narratives, this study reveals how art-making fosters self-advocacy and emotional resilience. This project aims to inform healthcare policy and arts-based therapeutic practices, demonstrating the transformative potential of creative processes in building a more inclusive, equitable healthcare landscape.

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