It’s quite a mother, daughter Concord Place duo
They continue that bond while Jackson teaches art to Fairy’s fellow residents at Concord Place, an Anthem Memory Care community, at 901 Concord Road.
Every Monday, Jackson joins her mother and resident students in the community’s art room.
“It’s just a wonderful thing to make art,” Jackson said.
“It’s just interesting, and it made my life a lot easier,” Fairy said about the art classes.
“My mother and I have always worked together,” Jackson said. “Back in the day, when I was in the business, my mother did my framing for me. I had a fully equipped studio with a frame shop and everything, and my mother’s very, very talented.
“She’s always been able to do what I consider crafts,” the daughter said. “She’s kind of a jack of all trades. I get a lot of my creativity and hands-on, can-do from her because no job was ever too big or small. … She’s always been my biggest fan and biggest critic as well.
“Her favorite genre of art is more impressionistic, and I’m more trompe l’oeil (realistic),” Jackson added.
In all, “it’s been fulfilling,” she said. “It’s good for the soul, and I’ve made a lot of friends … I feel like I’m touching them, and they’re touching me in a way I can’t describe”
However, “I never was a teacher,” Jackson said. “I always was a fine artist … this is something entirely different.”
“Mrs. Fairy Stone has been living here for over 10 years,” related Lori Wilson, CPMC life engagement director and certified dementia practioner.
Wilson said she wants to celebrate more than 10 years together (mother and daughter) making art.
“They have previous art, art they’ve made here, and then they have plans for the future,” the director said, adding she also plans to host an “Arty Party” and to present Fairy with a lifetime achievement award.
A professional artist, Jackson said she has been an artist for most of her life, receiving her mother’s support throughout.
During that time, she painted a portrait of her mother when Fairy was a teen homecoming queen.
“I have worked primarily with interior design, painting murals and commissioned pieces,” the daughter said. “I’ve been working for a commercial design firm and furniture companies.”
Recently retired, Jackson had a whole spectrum of art services she has provided for about 35 years. However, she retired early when her parents’ health declined.
Since then, her father passed away from a brain tumor and her mother contracted Alzheimer’s and dementia two years after her father’s passing.
“We needed to try to care for her, but we couldn’t,” Jackson said. “We found Clarity Point (the former community before Concord Place began operation). She’s been here for 12 years now. She’s the oldest resident here.”
More class details
After the daughter retired, she started the art program at the community 12 years ago when the director found out Jackson was an artist.
Jackson creates intricate black and white drawings, which Fairy and the other the residents fill in with paint as art projects.
However, “they don’t just color,” she said. “We work in various mediums.”
Jackson pointed out the black and white sketches are not “kindergarten. It’s fine art.”
With that, “(the residents) learn technique,” she said. “It’s great for their hands.”
Jackson added the artwork also helps with their concentration, which is a good thing in memory care.
“It’s a great outlet,” she added. “The thing that touches me the most is they are so proud of what they have accomplished.”
Still going strong with art, while retired, she now inspires Concord Place residents, and nine other senior communities, from memory care to assisted living and independent.
“I’m getting ready to make another push to pick up some more senior communities,” Jackson said.
