Jeff Paints for Christmas

"JUST WEST OF BETHESDA"

Acrylic on heavily textured canvas

44" x 28" x 2.5"

Jeff gifted this painting to his grandparents,

Darold and Bev Swanson

for their new home in Red Oak, Iowa.

Jeff Paints for Lakewood Home

"ASIAN HOLIDAY"

48" x 72" x 2.5"
Acrylic on woven and textured canvas

Jeff Rings the Salvation Army Bell

Jeff and his parents ring the Salvation Army bell annually. Next holiday season, join us in helping make a difference in your community by ringing the bell for just a few hours.

The Boulevard Features Jeff's Art

Jeff visits his art at The Boulevard Apartments in Roeland Park, Kansas.

Rosemann & Associates, P.C. won an award at the

Design Excellence Awards in the "Best Use of Art" category.

Jeff's art is displayed throughout the entire campus,

including the clubhouse, gym and leasing office.

Elton John AIDS Foundation UK Gifts Jeff

Elton John AIDS Foundation writes:

Dear Jeff,

On behalf of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, thank you for your generosity and support throughout the year. We wish you a joyful festive season and a prosperous 2010.

Enjoy this gift of Lambertz Chocolates.

Enjoy your break and we look forward to seeing you in the New Year.

Best Regards,

Elton John AIDS Foundation UK

Jeff, WHOLE FOODS MARKET and The Roasterie Coffee Benefit Harvester's

Jeff is the November/December featured artist
at the WHOLE FOODS MARKET at 91st and Metcalf
in Overland Park, KS. Jeff has 38 original
paintings for sale in the cafe.

Jeff's new "More Favorites" note cards
and Generous HeART note pad are for sale
in the store. All sales will benefit Harvesters.

The Roasterie coffee created
Jeff Hanson's Signature Blend coffee
for the holidays, with all
proceeds also benefiting Harvesters.

http://www.theroasterie.com/
http://harvesters.org/

"An Eye for Color" at National Industries for the Blind

"AN EYE FOR COLOR"

diptych

30" x 30" x 2.5"

Jeff was commissioned to paint two canvases for the

National Industries for the Blind

in Alexandria, VA.

Jeff titled the collection

"An Eye for Color."

NYC Children's Tumor Foundation Executive Director Visits Jeff's Studio

George Orfanakos,Children's Tumor Foundation
Executive Director surprised Jeff
with a visit to his Overland Park, KS,
studio last night.

Jeff lives with a genetic
condition called Neurofibromatosis (NF).
The New York City-based
Children's Tumor Foundation
researches cures and funds
grants for NF.

Jeff has been raising money
for the Children's Tumor
Foundation since the
summer of 2006, when he
opened and operated
"Jeff's Bisto." Today,
Jeff's generated donations
exceed $20,000.

To learn more about the
Children's Tumor Foundation,
visit: www.ctf.org

Aloft Leawood Grand Opening Features Jeff's Art

Aloft Leawood Grand Opening Bash
was held on Thursday, October 8, 2009.
Jeff's abstract art is displayed in the
hotel lobby and on the second level
in ReMixx.

Aloft is a "new twist in travel."
To learn more about this hip hotel,
visit: www.aloftleawood.com

Fireside "Bravo Broadway" Gala

Jeff's acrylic heavily textured painting
titled "Opening Night" (72" x 48" x 2.5")
was sold on the live auction at
the Fireside "Bravo Broadway" Gala.
Auction proceeds benefit
Kansas City Art Institute scholarships.

Jeff Supports MAKE-A-WISH Balloon Glow

Jeff and MAKE-A-WISH employee, John Wolff had a wonderful time
at the recent Kansas City Balloon Glow.
Jeff donated his new "More Jeff's Favorites" note cards and
Generous HeART Note Pads to be sold at the event.

Jeff presents check to Children's Mercy Hospital

This evening, Jeff presented his art show donation to staff from Children's Mercy Hospital. The $7,500 donation will go toward the construction of the new Lisa Barth Chapel.



Pictured are: Dane Sommer, Director of Chaplaincy Services; Bradley Leech, Vice President for Resource Development; Jeff; Amy Leonard, Resource Development


In November, Jeff will present $5,000 to Sir Elton John for the Elton John AIDS Foundation sponsored Baphumelele Children's Home in Khayelitsha, South Africa.

News from "Elton John World"...

One of Elton's fan clubs has written about Jeff and his philanthropic efforts!

Read the full article here: http://www.eltonjohnworld.com/coranto/news/2009/September/HelpFromHanson.html.

Generous HeART show... a hit!

Thanks to everyone who made Jeff's Generous HeART show such a success!

Approximately 450 guests attended the Jeff Hanson Generous HeART Show on July 23, 2009. Jeff painted 136 original works for the fundraiser. And, during the "one night only" four hour event, 118 of the 136 paintings sold!

Jeff will donate $7,500 to the Kansas City

Children's Mercy Hospital Lisa Barth Chapel and

$5,000 to the Elton John AIDS Foundation for the

Baphumelele Children's Home in Khayelitsha, South Africa.

Jeff Win's Kohl's National Scholarship!

After winning the regional scholarship level of Kohl's "Kids Who Care" Scholarship Program, Jeff was recognized as a 2009 National Winner!


The ten national winners were awarded $5,000 scholarships and Kohl’s will donate $1,000 to a nonprofit organization on their behalf.





Congratulations to all of the winners! You can read more about them here: http://www.KohlsCorporation.com/CommunityRelations/scholarship/2009NationalWinners.asp

Generous HeART show a huge success

Here are some pictures from Jeff's Generous HeART show. We're still tallying the total amount contributed to Jeff's favorite charities from this show, and we'll update the blog as soon as we get that figure.

In the meantime, check out some of the pictures from the show! Thanks to everyone who attended and made the night a roaring success.

Artist Jeff Hanson with host,

Dan Nilsen of

Bishop-McCann

Generous HeART show preparations

We're so excited about Jeff's show on Thursday at Bishop-McCann. We've been preparing all summer for this; 136 canvases will be on display at the benefit.

Here are some pictures from the setup:

Jeff Win's Kohl's Regional Scholarship!

Regional Winners announced...National Winners to be announced soon!

Read more here:

http://www.kohlscorporation.com/communityRelations/scholarship/2009RegionalWinners.asp

Metro Volunteers Awarded College Scholarships - Jeff included!

From NBC Action News:

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Two Kansas City area teenagers win national scholarships for helping others.

15-year-old Jeffrey Hanson of Overland Park and 12 year-old Jacob Mozer of Blue Springs will both receive $1,000 for college from Kohl's department stores.

Jeffrey raised more than $100,000 for the visually impaired. Jacob, a cancer survivor, raised more than $300,000 pediatric cancer research.

They are among 200 winners selected from 18,000 nominees.

Read the full article here.

Jeff Wins Kohl's Department Store "Kids Who Care" Scholarship Program at the store level. Jeff advances as a contender for the regional level.

The Kohl’s Kids Who Care® Scholarship Program recognizes and rewards young volunteers (ages 6-18) who help make their communities a better place.

Congrats to all of the Kansas Winners:

• Allen, Benjamin
• Age: 12*
• City: Overland Park

• Bohnenblust, Kascha
• Age: 17*
• City: Leonardville

• Davis, Ben
• Age: 17*
• City: Lenexa

• Evans, Sophia
• Age: 16*
• City: Baxter Springs

• Goudey, Ashley
• Age: 18*
• City: Junction City

• Hanson, Jeffrey
• Age: 15*
• City: Overland Park

• Hoffman, Brianna
• Age: 10*
• City: Wamego

• Kobza, David
• Age: 10*
• City: Wichita

• Lies, Jarrett
• Age: 18*
• City: Olathe

• Lynch, Haley
• Age: 10*
• City: Mission Hills

• Miller, Hannah
• Age: 17*
• City: Gardner

• Morris, Phillip
• Age: 12*
• City: Kansas City

• Mowery, Jessica
• Age: 9*
• City: Topeka

• Peters, Dylan
• Age: 12*
• City: Olathe

• Roberts, Madeline
• Age: 6*
• City: Wichita

• Simon, Sydney
• Age: 17*
• City: Murdock

• Sittnick, Sally
• Age: 15*
• City: Leavenworth

• Spence, Elizabeth
• Age: 18*
• City: Haysville

• Stump, Schuyler
• Age: 17*
• City: Wichita

• Tanner, Carson
• Age: 6*
• City: Prairie Village

• Thode, Cristina
• Age: 7*
• City: Hutchinson

• Vanzuiden, Alec
• Age: 17*
• City: Lawrence

• Yoksh, Amanda
• Age: 9*
• City: Olathe

Learn more about the program on the Kohl's website by clicking here.

Jeff featured in "Making Miracles"

Through Adversity, Making a Life-Changing Difference

How did a tumor named Clod lead a teenager to develop a life mission dedicated “to helping create kinder communities, more compassionate nations, and a better world for all?” and how did it lead him to the IMF?

Allow us to explain.

Jeffrey Owen Hanson, now 15 years old, was born with neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder that causes tumors on the central nervous system throughout life. In the fall of 2005, Jeff was preparing to receive chemotherapy for a tumor on his optic nerve that was greatly affecting his vision.

“I nicknamed it ‘Clod’ because it sounded dumb and nerdy, and seemed perfect for a brain tumor,” Jeff says. “I wanted to laugh at this tumor, not be afraid of it.”

But Clod continued to cause trouble and Jeff’s vision continued to fail. It was time to hit Clod with radiation. Once again, Jeff showed his panache for life. He greeted his 28th and final round of radiation by wearing a tuxedo for the occasion.

Recovery from his battle with Clod meant Jeff had to remain relatively isolated. But as a driven teenager, he also wanted to stay busy. He started painting in earnest, creating work on small note cards.

“I’ve always liked painting,” Jeff says. “And then it became this fun thing that could cheer me up.” The painting continued, and continued. When friends and family would come visit they’d paint with him.

This past December Jeff created his first-ever calendar. Titled Generous HeART, the calendar features 12 reprints of Jeff’s original art with its proceeds to benefit 12 different charities, including the IMF, all hand-selected by him.

It was while choosing those charities that Jeff’s thoughts turned to Karl Vollstedt, a close family friend who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2004. Jeff knew the IMF was vitally important to Karl; it therefore became important to him.

In addition to the calendar, Jeff has also created a special series of note cards entitled A Cure For Karl. They feature six of Jeff’s prints. Because of Jeff’s generosity, all proceeds benefit he IMF.
“I am so honored that Jeff has chosen to support the IMF with his extraordinary artwork,” Karl says. “Jeff is a fantastic person and friend. He’s also an excellent example of people who ‘learn to live’ with medical diagnoses that will affect their lives – every day.”

Jeff’s charitable contributions started back in 2006 when he created Jeff’s Bistro, a modern-day take on the driveway lemonade stand. Jeff’s Bistro was initially conceived in order to help Jeff buy a special chair for his bedroom. Jeff sold beverages, his mother’s baked goods. . . and the original note cards amassed from his recovery time spent painting. Neighbors immediately sensed that Jeff’s artwork was special.

Jeff’s Bistro raised $15,000 that summer – far, far more than the price of Jeff’s coveted bedroom chair. He donated his proceeds to the Children’s Tumor Foundation.

When summer was over, demand for Jeff’s art didn’t fade. His parents’ unfinished basement in Overland Park, Kansas officially became Jeff’s studio. And after his battle with Clod, Jeff’s vision had stabilized to 20/150. With glasses, he can now read the big “E” on the eye chart.

“My health is perfect,” Jeff says.

Jeff acknowledges that his visual impairment has affected his artistic aesthetic. “My art has large, colorful shapes with blurred margins,” he says. “I see things best in high contrast, and my art reflects this. I do not see straight, sharp lines. I really cannot draw or paint anything concrete. You will not find me at the State Fair sketching caricatures.”

Where you will find Jeff is the halls of Kansas State School for the Blind, where he is currently a freshman. You will also find Jeff meeting with potential clients and buyers, and sometimes even hobnobbing backstage with music legend Sir Elton John.

Jeff met Elton John in October 2007 through Make-A-Wish Foundation. After the pop superstar’s concert, the two shared thoughts with each other about their philanthropic goals. They found they had a lot in common, and have supported each other’s work ever since. In late 2008, Jeff gifted 12 of his original canvases to the Elton John AIDS Foundation Baphumelele Children’s Home in Khayelitsha, South Africa.

Just as the IMF encourages its members to live their lives to the fullest, Jeff continues to live his the very same way. In additional to his enormous charitable donations, Jeff now also sells his work commercially to private clients. “It allows me to invest in my future,” he says.

But that future will always include a devotion to philanthropy, and using his talent – found through adversity – to support the people he loves and causes that matter, like the IMF.

With the same charm that drove him to name his tumor Clod and attend radiation in a tuxedo, Jeff continues to view all of life’s obstacles in a positive light: “Take the problem you have, be open to others about it, and use it to your advantage,” he advises. “No one is perfect. You need to openly attack your problem so that you can joyfully move on.”
“Keep your eyes open for the ‘ungiven,’” he says. “Art is around us everywhere.”

To purchase Jeffrey Owen Hanson’s inspirational work on behalf of the IMF, please visit our web site: www.myeloma.org. More information about Jeff and his work is also available at www.jeffreyowenhanson.com.

Jeff's art highlighted as Rosemann & Associates wins Design Excellence Award

"Rosemann's design won bronze in the Interiors category for "Best Use of Art" as the design highlights works created by Jeffrey Owen Hanson. Hanson's contemporary creations provided Rosemann with inspiration to create a bold, urban "art gallery" design..."

Read the entire post here on the Rosemann & Associates blog.

Jeff's Generous HeART show coming up!