ted art & creative studio

TED ART & Creative Studio for Rare Disease Day 2026

Theme: More Than You Can Imagine

Rare Disease Day is on February 28th. This day is dedicated to raising global awareness for the 300 million people worldwide living with a rare disease. In honor of Rare Disease Day, we call for action to ensure that people living with a rare disease have the same opportunities, access, and support to fully participate in family life, work, and social activities.

Through art, we raise our voices and share our lived experiences—issuing a call for equity, visibility, research, and inclusion for people with rare diseases.

For more information about TED ART please contact: art@tedcommunity.org

Collective Diversity & More Than You Can Imagine TED ART project for 2026 Rare Disease Day, February 28th

Artist: Chesna

Artist Statement: What I explored in creating repetitive human shapes is although having a rare disease like TED can feel isolating, it can also connect me to a community of people who understand. My symptoms may be different from others, yet I can find the similarities and feel a sense of comfort, support and love from those living with a rare disease. The human with a heart represents me and the love I have for the rare disease community.

Collective Diversity & More Than You Can Imagine TED ART project for 2026 Rare Disease Day, February 28th

Title: Connected Communities

Artist: Christine

Artist Statement: Feeling alone and isolated while trying to navigate a rare disease creates an emotional burden that often goes unseen and unheard. When we come together as rare individuals and communities, we feel lighter and more able to fine our way to solutions. Community heals broken hearts and bodies. The great discovery is that, by joining together, we are more than you can imagine 💛

Collective Diversity & More Than You Can Imagine TED ART project for 2026 Rare Disease Day, February 28th

Title: Glimmers of Hope

Artist: Marilyn

Artist Statement: When we meet up for a TED Art session, I can feel my TED anxiety gradually easing.  It’s a gentle time spent with kind people who are coping and hoping along this journey from TED to NED.  By the end of our TED Art session, it seems like we’re fueled up and ready to soar.

Collective Diversity & More Than You Can Imagine TED ART project for 2026 Rare Disease Day, February 28th

Title: RARE – Emerging Together

Artist: Jacque

Artist’s Statement: My pattern is made of cells that represent us as people—each one unique yet biologically connected. We are individuals with different stories, yet we share a deep and undeniable bond.

I chose blues, greens, black, white, grey, and fuchsia to reflect both struggle and strength—representing moments of isolation, resilience, visibility and hope.

These colors speak to the complexity of living with a rare disease and the courage it takes to be seen.

I placed a torn fragment of vintage sheet music beyond the watercolor and angled across the base, to represent our collective voice—sometimes unheard, yet still powerful. As each of us carries a different story, together we create harmony.

The butterfly represents my own emergence. Rising from the cells, it symbolizes transformation, advocacy and belonging. Rare does not mean alone! We are all connected, and together we rise with resilience, visibility and with hope.

Collective Diversity & More Than You Can Imagine TED ART project for 2026 Rare Disease Day, February 28th

Title: Shaman’s Rain

Artist: Bodhi

Artist Statement: The rain is watering seeds of Acceptance, Healing, Becoming, Loving and Blessing.

Collective Diversity & More Than You Can Imagine TED ART project for 2026 Rare Disease Day, February 28th

Title: Tic Tac Toe

Artist: Debby

Artist Statement: Creating this artwork was calming – repeating shapes and colors.

TED ART & Creative Studio for Rare Disease Day

Theme: I See You – Show Your Stripes
(Click each photo below to expand and see artist.)

Rare Disease Day is on February 28th. The zebra serves as the official mascot for people living with rare diseases. While it may not always be obvious who is a “zebra,” the fact is that 1 in 10 Americans is living with a rare disease. That’s why it’s important for us to show our stripes and raise awareness.

On this day, the TED Community unites to highlight the challenges faced by those living with conditions that are often overlooked and misunderstood. Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) is one such rare disease and yet remains underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed in many cases. TED can have a significant impact on a person’s appearance, health, and quality of life.

Yet, despite its rarity, strength shines through. The phrase “I See You – Show Your Stripes” represents the resilience of those living with TED. It’s a reminder that everyone’s journey is unique, every struggle is real, and every victory, big or small, is worth celebrating! Today, we honor the courage and determination of the TED community. We see you; we support you, and together, we will raise our voices so that no one living with a rare disease ever feels invisible.

For more information about TED ART please contact: art@tedcommunity.org