Jeff Hanson - Meet The Artist

Jeffrey Owen Hanson

Why does a teenage kid need a web site? Because he has a great story to tell about keeping a positive attitude through adversity, compassion and contagious generosity. And he has some very fun art to show off.

Jeff Hanson (born 30 September, 1993) is a philanthropic artist from Overland Park, Kansas, USA. Jeff is visually impaired from an optic nerve tumor (he nick-named "Clod") associated with a genetic condition called Neurofibromatosis. The tumor started causing severe vision loss in 2005, and Jeff received radiation and chemotherapy in 2005-2006. Despite his low vision, Jeff sees well enough to continue creating original artwork for several charities, as well as commissioned pieces.

Jeff never had a "pity party" about his medical condition. He kept a great attitude throughout his treatment, despite losing his hair and all the usual "chemo" side effects. Jeff said good-bye to his home school friends, and spent three years at the Kansas State School for the Blind. He took all of this in stride, and used humor, creativity, and a headlong immersion into his artwork to defeat "Clod." On his last day of radiation, Jeff showed up for treatment in a TUXEDO! "Clod" was not going to win--or be taken seriously. Following that treatment, a helium balloon launch in our front yard signaled "farewell to Clod" and a new page of life.

Jeff started painting watercolor 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 sports and the usual kid stuff. Jeff's art was totally abstract, with bright bold colors. His vision did not permit him to create any concrete images. But his color combinations were explosive! Jeff sold the note cards at "Jeff's Bistro," a glorified lemonade stand he set up in his driveway in the Summer of 2006. Jeff painted and sold over 5000 note cards that summer, along with mom's baked goods, raising over $15,000 for The Children's Tumor Foundation, to help fund research for Neurofibromatosis and optic tumors.

Since that time, Jeff has moved into larger works using acrylics on canvas, with proceeds benefitting charities that have "touched his life." Jeff also donates paintings to several of his favorite charity auctions--raising as much as $15,000 each! Throughout his career, Jeff has painted over 800 original works. Jeff's first sole-artist exhibit (in Kansas City's Crossroads arts district) sold 118 canvases in four hours, generating thousands for our local Children's Mercy Hospital and the Elton John AIDS Foundation sponsored Baphumelele orphanage in South Africa. Jeff's artwork is also featured on his note pads and note cards, which are available through his ART STORE, generating additional funds for his favorite charities.

But Jeff's story is not just about great art--it's about a great heart! And about generosity. Here is a teen who, rather than dwell on his medical condition and personal problems, uses his time and talents for the benefit of many others. Jeff's total gifts to charity, at age 18, will soon exceed $500,000! And his generosity has not gone unrecognized. People Magazine named Jeff a "Hero Among Us" in July 2011. CNN Headline News featured Jeff in "Leaders With Heart" and "Impact Your World." The Huffington Post readers voted Jeff the "Top Kid Making a Difference in 2011." Jeff's outstanding community service won him the National Prudential "Spirit of Community" Award and the National "Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes" in 2011. WHOLE FOODS MARKET chose Jeff's art for their eco-friendly bag, benefitting the Make A Wish Foundation. Warren E. Buffet invited Jeff as his guest to his annual shareholder's meeting. Sir Elton John gifted The Children's Tumor Foundation in Jeff's honor.

While going blind in 2007, Make A Wish granted Jeff his dream to meet Sir Elton John. Jeff says, "I am most inspired by people who use their gifts to give back to the world. I chose Sir Elton John as my Make A Wish because he exemplifies this philanthropic spirit. I use my gift of art to fundraise for charities that have touched my life. My hope is that you, too, will find joy in being generous and compassionate with others."

Jeff believes "every act of kindness helps create kinder communities, more compassionate nations, and a better world for all...even one painting at a time."

"Sight for Sore Eyes" is an expression commonly used to describe a jubilant reunion among friends, as well as something pleasing to the eye. For Jeff Hanson, it is his joyous art, interpreting the world through his "sore eyes" and splashing it onto canvas for all of us to share.

Hal and Julie Hanson (proud parents)

Spring 2012