In 2022 Melissa Stephens introduced the first Hope Lives: Art for ALS exhibition at the San Francisco Women Artists Gallery. The exhibition was inspired by her sister, Lynn Giovannelli, who was diagnosed with ALS in July 2020. Stephens continues to honor her sister's ALS journey by leaning into her arts background to hold educational, fundraising art exhibitions to benefit ALS research.

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The first exhibition in 2022, displayed the artwork of twelve hand-picked artists whose work included various media, such as: encaustic, collage, acrylic paint, sculpture and printmaking. The theme for the artwork was hope, serenity and gratitude. Melissa's sisters, Lynn Giovannelli and Susanne Miller, traveled from Minnesota to attend, and the ALS Network assisted with a live and virtual event during the course of the exhibition.
Funds raised for the ALS Network: $1163

 

In 2023 one dozen artists from the NorCAL Wax artists group were featured in the exhibition. NorCAL Wax is a Chapter of the International Encaustic Artists (IEA), a group co-founded by Melissa Stephens. The theme was "Affirmations of the Seven Chakras." Gentle yoga was offered in the Artists Salon, three raffles and several events, including Wine Tasting and Ekphrastic Poetry were part of the overall exhibition.
Funds raised for the ALS Network: $781 

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In 2024, Hope Lives: Art for ALS raised the bar by introducing artists living with ALS. Six artists (one posthumously) participated exhibiting artwork created using their eyes, feet or by collaborating with able bodied artists. Three cash awards were presented as a new standard for the exhibition: the Lynn Giovannelli Award of Excellence in the Arts, Juror's Choice Award and the People's Choice Award.

Funds raised for the ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI): $3200 

 

After the Gallery exhibition closed, an additional $635 was raised for the ALS Network at the Ride Walk and Roll to Cure ALS event in September 2024.

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Each year, participating artists donate 35% or more of their sales to the ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI). Past exhibitions have include special events throughout the month of May, like a(n): Opening Reception, Artist's Talk, Wine Tasting & Ekphrastic Poetry, Raffle Drawing, Video Access, Gallery Meditation Sessions, Visitor Collaborative Artwork and ALS Education Day. 

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The 2025 Hope Lives: Art - Research Renderings exhibition will be on display in the Artist's Salon at the SFWA Gallery May 6 - 31, 2025. This year's show is a collaboration between Melissa Stephens and the International Encaustic Artists organization (IEA). The IEA is dedicated to building community and shared knowledge among artists throughout the world who work with encaustics and other wax media.  

Participating IEA member artists selected one of three ALS research photographs as inspirational prompts for their artwork. Check the Events and Gallery pages for more information.​​