An Afternoon with Jackson

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) partners with several community based volunteer groups that supports its mission of fundraising and service projects that benefits our most precious gifts…our children. 

One such volunteer group is the newly formed Dunwoody Friends.  The catch phrase – “Children need Children’s and Children’s need you” is exactly what these friends seek to accomplish, and art in its many forms is a well-known link.  The theme for the first annual event is called Jazz and Art from the Heart. Shannon Wickley is the Chairperson for the event--and she identified our very own Anne Labaire as a potential artist partner and reached out to Anne.

Jackson is one of the many kids who got paired with local artists to create original artwork that will be up for auction at the Jazz and Art from the Heart which will include an evening of live jazz, live and silent auctions of the original artwork.  This event will take place on Saturday September 24th at Bill Lowe Gallery.

The request to work with Dunwoody Friends and CHOA touched Anne’s heart and more touching was who she was partnered with to make a work of art.  Known for greeting people with his famous – “Hi, my name is Jackson; I’m 9 years old, look how tall I am!”  Jackson is very proud of his height.  Jackson with the help of his mom Shannon visited Anne’s website and he fell in love with "Rhapsody," a piece that depicts, swirls, multiple colors and an ocean theme.  Jackson is passionate about fishing, swimming and water, he loves it as it helps him to relax.

Anne grew very excited and arranged a date for her and Jackson to create his masterpiece.  Anne got Jackson an artist bag filled with paints, crayons, brushes and his very own official artist apron adorned with paint smudges.  Based on the information from Shannon, Anne came up with a creative way to engage Jackson: She fashioned several canvases with an ocean theme and fishes in an abstract form.

Imagine being greeted by a shy young man who is diagnosed with ADHD, and Apraxia sensory issues.  Jackson has piecing blue eyes and a smile that will take your breath away. Within a few minutes Jackson warms up and gives Anne the biggest of hugs while tying his apron around her. 

He gets down to the business of opening all his gifts and heads straight to the paints.  In between painting, Jackson runs around the studio and it was just amazing to see him interact with three complete strangers and it was because he was in his element – he was painting!

Writer's note: Norcross is truly blessed to have an inspiring artist such as Anne Labaire, and to Shannon thanks for sharing Jackson with us, if only for an hour on a Friday evening – it was the icing on the cake for my week! Jackson, it was nice to meet you!