Artist and Team Fox member Carol Hagan’s paintings capture the vivid colors and wild energy of her Montana home -- and grab plenty of attention at auctions. Her work helped her team bring in more than $112,000 in 2013, making them one of Team Fox’s top 10 fundraisers for the year.

Hagan’s husband, Pat, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in early 2009. For several years, the Hagans have been a part of a live art auction event that has raised thousands of dollars for The Michael J. Fox Foundation.

In a recent profile in the Great Falls Tribune, Hagan talked about making the transition to full-time painting when her son was born. The lessons she learned about passion and patience could also be applied to successful fundraising:

The lessons from her father, who taught at Billings Senior High School, came in handy as she tried her hand in a new field. One lesson in particular stuck, from his days coaching her as a runner.

“I owe a lot to my father, who taught me about being dedicated to something if you’re passionate about it,” she said. “Patience, practice, dedication and believing in what you’re passionate about.

This spring, Hagan will be part of several art events, and is also planning a separate Team Fox fundraiser. In her work, she said she has begun experimenting with cold wax to add more to texture to her already rich oil paintings. But even as she explores new techniques and subjects in her work, Hagan says her most important passion is for her husband.

“I put Pat before anyone, and the creative process gets pushed aside sometimes,” Hagan told the Great Falls Tribune. “The priority is helping him get through each day and live to the fullest.”