Articles and Testimonials about Mia McNary
Art Inspires Hope - http://www.cmu.edu/homepage/health/2012/summer/art-inspires-hope.shtml
This Summer, Winnetka’s Seeing Stars (Mia’s art installation) - View article.
Art Lessons: One Mom's Journey to Hope for Her Son with Autism
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/patricia-crisafulli/autism_b_1496141.html?ref=parents
Glenview gallery exhibit raises awareness of autism - http://pioneerlocal.suntimes.com/photos/12028736-455/glenview-gallery-exhibit-raises-awareness-of-autism.html
Art Support Group Helps Parents of Children with Special Needs
Some Need Therapy? Forget the Shrink and Pick Up a Paint Brush. A Glenview mom uses art to help other moms with stress.
http://glenview.patch.com/articles/need-some-therapy-forget-the-shrink-and-pick-up-a-paint-brush
Mia McNary Makes It Better Via Art—and Advocacy
comment on article
"I know Mia and I want to applaud MIBs for doing what mainstream media and Oprah have failed to do... acknowledge that there are families who have done everything possible and still haven't "cured" their child of autism. Mia is even more the hero than Jennifer McCarthy! For families like our's and Mia's, autism isn't glamorous and it isn't easy. It requires constant advocacy and endless work, but is also takes an incredible amount of love to accept your child for their fullest potential -- whatever that may be. Mia is a role model for all of us who face any type of adversity, and she reminds us all that within each of us there are special gifts that sometimes take life's painful battles to unleash."
— Luke's mom, Kristina
Camp Hug a Bear - founded by Mia McNary
http://www.makeitbetter.net/family/parenting/1007-caring-camps
Nomination letter for Make It Better
What does your nominee do (in their artistic endeavors)?
As the Owner/Art Instructor of M.I.A. LLC "Masters In Art", Mia's passion for teaching, coaching and mentoring her students exudes her love for art! Her professional studio has seen hundreds of finished pieces from her proud students because of her unique capability to teach with finesse, heart and soul! She compels individual's style while focusing on the importance of understanding art history. I have seen first-hand the impact she has made on my six year old son, Ty who recently placed second in the Glenview Art Show. He displays a healthy confidence to pursue art. Mia's educational and professional background provides a well-respected foundation. She is currently getting her students ready for a Grand Opening at Artifex Studio here in Glenview. Mia not only has her own gift as a talented artist, but has many gifts to give her students so that they can have quality futures as artists.
How do they give back to their community?
Mia has given our community many gifts! She has provided Mother's with special needs children, a support group in her studio through Abstract/Therapeutic art. Moms will meet in Mia's professional studio once per week to gain support and confidence from Mia who has experienced the challenges of Autism in her family. She literally has saved lives by providing a warm engaging environment that allows Moms to express themselves through art. Also, Mia founded "Glenview's Camp Hug the Bear", which is an Autism Specialized Camp . Her ongoing vision along with her mission," to ignite hope," stands for the amazing woman she is helping many in our community to have peace of mind.
Why do you think they’re exceptional?
I have been blessed as having Mia as a neighbor in our community. I have seen her experience the challenges of having an autistic son. After going through some difficult situations with Colin, I have seen Mia react with positive brightness and hopefulness that has touched my life by motivating me to become better educated in autism. I am grateful for knowing such a wonderful person! Her spirit is truly genuine in many ways. She balances being a loving Mother, wife, artist, teacher and mentor, all with a smile! :)
