"I'm passionate about art and design," says Great Neck artist Michelle G. Menashy. A multitalented artist and graphic designer, Ms. Menashy delves into each project with the soul of an artist and with the strength and courage of a real hero. Her careers in advertising, painting and now author and illustrator of a series of new children's books have flourished despite illness and injuries.

Success has been hard-won simply because Michelle perseveres no matter what. The beauty she creates shines through the hard times. Her paintings have been shown in the finest galleries, her long list of graphic designs for top-notch companies are impressive, and now her children's books will bring a smile to many a small child.

Michelle Menashy's newest project - colorful, inviting books for children - were, in fact, inspired by tragedy --- the loss of a friend on Sept. 11. Very deeply affected by the loss of a friend from design school, someone who she describes as a "true artist," Michelle decided to use her talents for projects that would make a difference in people's lives. With her gift for dreaming up stories, she began to write and illustrate books for little children, books that she says "are filled with imagination."

The colorful, appealing pages are filled with whimsical characters that just jump out and enliven a young child's world. The stories are both lively and comforting. "I want to show children a world full of possibilities, in the same way my parents did for me," says the beautiful young author. And in one book she includes a child in a wheelchair in the drawings, "to show children are all the same, that they all care about the same things, they all love to laugh and dream."

Very dear to her heart, Michelle Menashy explains her children's books. "My stories are about what's important in our world and things people can cherish and relate to. They are filled with a world of imagination and seeing that anything is possible. My books are about finding meaning in the smallest of things. They also make you chuckle and put a smile on your face, which everyone needs more of these days."

To date, Michelle Menashy has written five books, all aimed at children ages 4 through 8.

At this point, with the books complete, Michelle Menashy is looking for a publisher. Anyone interested in bringing these magical books to young readers can call Michelle G. Menashy at 487-8858.

Michelle, the daughter of Linda and Dennis Grossman, is a lifelong Great Neck resident. Raised in the Village of Great Neck and a North High graduate, she was a child who loved gardening and even at a young age delved into the arts. Constantly creating, the young Michelle started her own jewelry-making business and soon added hand-painted clothing. Next was an opportunity to learn so much working in a sculpture factory.

At age 13, her life changed forever, as she was hit by a car while crossing the street. This life-or-death experience was beyond daunting, but she never gave up. The next few years were spent recuperating, at home, wheelchair bound. True to her own personal style, Michelle found the positive during this most difficult time, and her paintings blossomed.

She went on to FIT, where she studied illustration and advertising, and then to the Parsons School of Design, where she earned a degree in graphic design. Next came an interest in macro photography, and eventually she sold photos to companies such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus. Her individual wildlife photos sold as well, and she began to paint and sell her paintings. She donated one of her works to the Boca Raton Museum of Art auction and was proud to raise over $8,000 for charity.

Then Ms. Menashy went on to a job in Manhattan, illustrating for five monthly magazines and eventually becoming an art director for children's products. She built a successful career in advertising, including designing and conceptualizing worldwide campaigns for clients such as AT&T, Avon, Xerox, BASF, Corning, Pfizer, MTV Networks, Travelers Group, AstraZeneca and Toys 'R' Us.

During this exciting time, Ms. Menashy met her husband, David, at a party in New York City. Shortly after they married, she started her own company, Kurve Design, providing concept development, design and production for print and multimedia. They eventually moved to Great Neck, restoring a beautiful old Tudor house.

Then once again life came crashing down. "Everything came to a screeching halt," she explained, as she was forced to face serious medical issues once again. After two years of searching for help for overwhelming physical disabilities, she was finally diagnosed with Lyme disease. Determined not to let her illness limit her creativity, Michelle continues to paint and write whenever possible, and she has continued her Kurve Design career.

Michelle Menashy is also working on a new series of paintings to exhibit.

Do check out the Michelle Grossman Menashy website at: michellegmenashy.com

Be it art, design/advertising, or books for children, you will be delighted when you see the name "Michelle G. Menashy."