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Determined Artist Paints a Bright Future for Babies
Touched by Polio, painter David Linn Arnold highlights the ongoing need for the March of Dimes

(Cincinnati, OH / July, 2008)¬¬— On September 13th, 2008 from (6:00pm-8:00pm) Hyde Park’s Malton Gallery will play host to an artist on a mission.
    Behind the childlike Americana pieces David Linn Arnold creates is a delicate glimpse of life; his work is a reflection of the world around us and our humanity. “We are simply thrilled to have a primitive painter the caliber of David Linn Arnold headline at our gallery. His life and work is an inspiration to us all.” said Susan Sopp, Manager of the Malton Gallery. 
     Mr. Arnold taught himself to paint just after retiring from a long career in the corporate world.    Stricken with Polio at eleven months old and now suffering from “Post Polio Syndrome”, Mr. Arnold has used his life experience with this debilitating disease to create what he calls, Second Chance Art.  Mr. Arnold says painting is his reason for waking up in the morning. His goal is to continue to pursue this passion, despite progressive muscle weakness associated with PPS. “Painting a scene is my second chance to experience it. Looking at it is another second chance. More importantly, art is my second chance at life.”
     Thanks to the Malton Gallery and Mr. Arnold, the September 13th showing will also help many babies have a second chance at life. The grand finale of the exhibit will be a raffle, with proceeds going towards the March of Dimes mission to prevent premature birth, birth defects, and infant mortality. Mr. Arnold selected the March of Dimes as his charity of choice for the raffle, because of the organization’s history and support for Polio victims and their families. “I can’t use my cane, or scooter, or electric wheelchair without remembering how Polio devastated lives and how the March of Dimes changed all of that for millions of people.” said Mr. Arnold. In 1938, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt established the March of Dimes to face down the enemy of Polio and defeat it. In 2003, the national prematurity campaign was launched to stem the growing crisis of premature birth, which is now plaguing our country.
     Mr. Arnold adds, “The fact that the March of Dimes continues to fight on after vanquishing one foe to fight on against others tells you so much about the heart of these people and this charity.”
Every year more than half a million babies are born prematurely. Many are too small and too sick to go home. Instead, they face weeks or even months in the neonatal intensive care unit. These babies face an increased risk of death and serious medical complications. Most will eventually go home and many survivors grow up healthy, but others aren’t so lucky.
     In addition to Mr. Arnold, the September 13th gallery showing will also feature other popular primitive artists and their work.  Admission to the event is free. No reservations are needed.
      The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for BabiesSM, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.