Cherries Acrylic Print | Original Artwork by Michael J. Monaco

Michael J. Monaco (1963–2021) grew up in New Jersey as a talented, athletic teenager, excelling in football and tennis — before a car accident at 16 left him quadriplegic. What followed was not a diminished life but a full one: he travelled, studied, spoke at schools, and became a passionate advocate for spinal cord awareness and care. He also became a skilled mouth stick artist, creating paintings with a confident, graphic quality that feel anything but constrained.

Cherries is a perfect example; three bold red cherries against a vivid yellow, painted in oils with the kind of directness and clarity that makes a room feel more alive. Reproduced on 4mm acrylic, the glossy glass-like surface intensifies the colours and adds real depth, while remaining scratch-resistant and built for the long term. Available in three square sizes, it works equally well in a kitchen, dining room or living space. Purchasing this print helps preserve Michael's legacy and supports the MFPA's mission of financial independence for disabled artists worldwide.