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Essay
GAS Art is the home of art created through a heartwarming
collaboration between a father and daughter. In August
2006, Gerard (Jerry) Schoenfeld was diagnosed with Gulf-War
related Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, sometimes
called Lou Gehrig's Disease). This neuromuscular
degenerative disease has cut short Jerry’s ability to
continue his love of painting which he had hoped to focus
on after retiring from a distinguished career in the United
States Navy. The debilitating effects of the disease have
left him without the muscle strength to hold a brush or
paint any longer.
Jerry is among hundreds of servicemen afflicted with this
disease. It is believed to be the result of toxic exposures
or other factors taken place during the first Iraqi war.
However the government has not conducted appropriate
studies at this time to draw conclusions on the causes.
Since the incidence among military seems to be much higher
than the civilian population, the Schoenfeld’s are
convinced that there is a direct correlation between
vaccines (some experimental) and pharmacology products used
by the military starting during the first Gulf War.
In June 2007, during Father's Day, Jerry's 13 year old
daughter, Ashley gave him a gift, a gift of love. She
offered her hands to him so he could continue pursuing his
passion as an artist. Ashley committed to dedicate her
whole summer vacation working and painting under her
father’s direction. Ashley spent an average of five hours
each day carefully learning the technique and applying
color to the canvas according to Jerry’s creative vision.
Their goal was to complete at least 12 paintings before the
summer was over and Ashley started her freshman year in
high school. They almost met that goal. A total of 10
paintings were completed and they continue to work of the
rest during the weekend. From this inspiring experience of
selfless love GAS Art was born. “G” for Gerard; “A” for
Ashley; and “S” for Schoenfeld. The images from this
collaboration are part of the Memory Fragments collection,
a series of acrylic paintings on canvas that represent
Jerry’s memories of his time at sea while in the Navy. This
website captures their experience, dedication, and selfless
love of a teenager who understood that above all, a
father-daughter love is unique and special as it is Jerry’s
legacy to his daughter, GAS Art is the manifestation of
that love that both hope to share with the world.
And
through it all, Jerry and Ashley have been supported by a
loving wife and mother, Virginia, and son/brother Johann
(who is also a budding painter!). The Schoenfeld family has
accepted this enduring journey with hope and spiritual
strength gained from the thousands of prayers received from
relatives, friends and the church community. Jerry hopes to
continue passing down his artistic knowledge to Ashley and
Johann while he is still able to use his voice, Ashley
hopes to raise awareness of this incurable and terribly
debilitating disease by promoting this website and her
father’s art. GAS Art has committed to donate a percentage
of any paintings sold (original or giclee reproductions) to
the ALS Association to support their efforts on finding a
cure for ALS through expeditious scientific research.
For more background on the story, see the TV and Newspaper stories in the
News section.
Why GASArtHome.com?
We have built this site to
- Share this great story and art
- Inspire people to use their God-given gifts
- Ask for prayers for the whole family
- Raise money for the family through donations and sales of art
This tragic disease exacts a high cost physically, emotionally, and financially. Though the family is receiving help from friends and the Veteran's administration, they can use any help you can provide.
If you are interested in purchasing art, please click here.
If you are interested in making a donation, please click here.
If you would like to get in touch with family or provide other forms of support, please click here.
Thank you for your interest and prayers!
(mt)