A Grand Vision

Jeff Hanson is a young man with limited vision and a clear view of life’s big picture.

Jeff Hanson is an extraordinary teenager whose unshakable optimism in the face of a devastating disease proves infectious for anyone crossing his path—anyone including the world’s most beloved pop-rock star and a Hollywood movie director.

The 14-year-old budding artist started a summer driveway business in 2006 called Jeff’s Bistro, modeled after the lemonade stand concept. He initially started it to purchase a $1,300 black leather chair to make television watching more comfortable. Because of an optic tumor, Jeff’s vision had eroded to 20/150 with a sight range of only eight to 10 feet...

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Art With a Heart

Artist. Philanthropist. Student. Entreprenuer. Teenager. These are just a few of the hats Jeffrey Hanson of Overland Park wears each day.

Not only is Jeffrey’s artwork unique, but his story is even more unique. Legally blind from an optic nerve tumor (which he nick-named “Clod”) associated with a genetic condition called Neurofibromatosis, Jeffrey's loss of vision demanded radiation and chemotherapy treatment in 2005-2006.

Jeff started painting abstract art note cards in the spring of 2006, when he was 12 years old. It was a hobby and pastime for him, since his visual impairment prevented him from doing the usual “kid stuff,” like skate boarding, bicycling, baseball, etc. Jeff’s art is totally abstract, with bright, bold colors. His vision doesn’t permit him to create any concrete images. But his color combinations are explosive...

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Blind Artist a Charitable Talent

DOING A FAVOR FOR ELTON JOHN ... Giving back has always been a part of area teen's style.

First, Jeff Hanson got to meet Elton John. Now the Overland Park teenager is fulfilling the performer's request for artwork to brighten the lives of AIDS patients in South Africa.

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Jeff Hanson on TeacherTube