When Mae first picked up a paintbrush, no one could have predicted the extraordinary journey that would follow. At just 17 years old, Mae, who has cerebral palsy, has turned art into a powerful tool for self-expression and community impact. Her story is a testament to how embracing one’s passions and overcoming obstacles can lead to remarkable achievements. Read Mae’s Story of Hope…
When Mae first picked up a paintbrush, no one could have predicted the extraordinary journey that would follow. At just 17 years old, Mae, who has cerebral palsy, has turned art into a powerful tool for self-expression and community impact. Her story is a testament to how embracing one’s passions and overcoming obstacles can lead to remarkable achievements.
Mae’s journey into art began unexpectedly. Five years ago, her mom, Lisa, introduced art therapy as a creative twist to traditional occupational therapy, aiming to engage her in a new way. What started as a therapeutic experiment to address her challenges soon uncovered Mae’s extraordinary gift for painting. Her initial attempts revealed a profound and inspiring natural talent and passion for art.
Mae paints with a unique technique, using her hands and feet to create vibrant, textured pieces. Her art, characterized by a signature style incorporating hearts, angels, and crosses, is celebrated for its vivid colors and rich textures. She loves incorporating mixed media into her work, using elements like feathers, fabrics, and buttons to add depth and personality to each piece.
As Mae’s artistic technique evolved, her work began to gain recognition. Her paintings have been showcased at local art shows, including exhibitions at Piedmont Park and various regional events. Her mother, Lisa, became deeply involved, managing everything from hanging the paintings to shipping them to buyers. The success of Mae’s art has had a unique impact, turning her creativity into a source of hope and support for special needs programs, camps, and hospitals.
Mae has been at Jacob’s Ladder since 2015, where Program Director Ayana Van Dyke says she is known and loved for “her courageous, intuitive, and creative spirit and her love of a sing-along!”
“At Jacob’s Ladder, Mae receives personal attention and feels genuinely loved and cared for, which has helped her grow and develop,” said Mae’s mother, Lisa, whose family, along with others, was instrumental in establishing JL’s Buckhead campus.
Mae’s journey showcases her remarkable resilience and artistic talent and is a powerful reminder of the profound impact that creativity and support can have in overcoming life’s challenges. Her story inspires and reminds us that extraordinary achievements often arise from the most challenging circumstances.
