San Antonio Artist and Mother, Melissa Long, Turns Personal Struggle into Advocacy with Art at UTSA Exhibition

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) recently saw Long's paintings as part of its Bachelor of Fine Arts Exhibition—an event that showcases the work of its graduating students. Long's pieces, "pace" and "layman's terms," represent her turmoil after her toddler's leukemia diagnosis and her commitment to using her craft to raise awareness about childhood cancer, reported KENS5.

Born in 1993 in Houston, Long developed a body of work incorporating text and sculptural elements to deliver a powerful message. Graduating with her Bachelor of Fine Arts, specializing in painting, aims to support other families in similar situations and educate those unfamiliar with the daily battles faced by children with cancer, her website states.

It was in the middle of finals when Long received the shattering news of her son Ollie's cancer. She told KENS5, "On April 11th, I wasn't the mother of a warrior, but on April 12th, I was by the end of the day.” The UTSA community rallied behind Long, continually offering support after learning about her son's condition.

"There was a time that our son would be diagnosed with cancer, with leukemia, and we would be told that it's not a good prognosis. But through research and funding, that’s now changed," Long explained to KENS5. She added, “I want to advocate for all childhood cancer because all childhood cancer deserves to have that outcome and that prognosis.”

The senior seminar's exhibition, featuring Long and her peers, opened to the public and will run through December 8. For more on Long’s work and her advocacy, visit Melissa Long Fine Arts.