Mark Hansen is one of nine winners of the 2024 Midwest Award for Artists with Disabilities. This award is designed to support accessibility in the arts and celebrate the exceptional work of disabled Midwestern visual artists.
“Mark Hansen has always been an artist at heart. For most of his career, he worked as a graphic arts director in the advertising industry, creating eye-catching designs and logos for various clients. He also enjoyed drawing with pencil as a hobby, producing many pieces that his family and friends admired.
However, three years ago, Mark’s life changed dramatically when he suffered a massive stroke that left him with minimal verbal skills and unable to use his right hand, which was his dominant hand. Drawing was an important part of Mark’s life, and he did not want to give up on his passion. He decided to teach himself how to use his left hand to draw, and to challenge himself further, he switched from pencil to colored pencils, adding more vibrancy and depth to his artwork.
His works demonstrate his resilience, creativity, and talent as an artist, and inspire others to overcome their own obstacles and pursue their dreams.“
