A new online art gallery, Little Bee Gallery, has been launched to support 17-month-old Beckett Mireault Hickerson, who is living with cerebral palsy. Co-founded by Suzanne Mireault, Beckett’s grand-aunt, the gallery features a collection of artworks from various artists, with a portion of the proceeds going towards Beckett’s therapy costs. Inspired by the artistic talents of her family, Suzanne envisioned the gallery as a way to not only showcase gorgeous art but also to provide financial assistance for advanced therapies that help children like Beckett communicate and walk. The gallery also includes a special section called “Friends with Little Bee,” where artists contribute additional pieces to further support the cause. This initiative highlights the power of community and creativity in making a difference for children with disabilities. For more information, visit the Little Bee Gallery online.
Time.news Interview: Supporting Children with Cerebral Palsy Through Art – A Discussion with Suzanne Mireault of Little Bee Gallery
Editor: Thank you for joining us today,Suzanne. We’re excited to hear about your new venture, Little Bee Gallery. can you tell us what inspired you to create this online art gallery?
Suzanne Mireault: thank you for having me! The inspiration behind Little Bee Gallery really stems from my family’s experience with my grandnephew, Beckett, who is living with cerebral palsy. We’ve seen firsthand the challenges that families face when navigating care and therapy options. I wanted to find a way to not only showcase the artistic talents within our family but also directly contribute to Beckett’s therapy costs and the needs of other children with disabilities.
Editor: That’s a noble cause. How exactly does the gallery work in terms of supporting Beckett’s therapy?
Suzanne Mireault: Every piece of art sold through Little Bee Gallery contributes to Beckett’s ongoing therapy and specialized care. The gallery features artworks from various artists, and we allocate a portion of the proceeds specifically for his therapy costs, which are essential for helping him communicate and develop mobility. Each purchase becomes a meaningful act of support, allowing our community to play an active role in making a difference in beckett’s life.
Editor: You mentioned that the gallery has a special section called “Friends with Little Bee.” Can you elaborate on what that entails?
Suzanne Mireault: Absolutely! “Friends with Little Bee” is a section where artists can donate additional pieces to the gallery. the idea is to expand our offerings and create variety while further amplifying our mission. Each artwork sold in this section also goes towards funding specialized care for Beckett. It’s unbelievable to see the camaraderie and support from the arts community, rallying together to contribute to meaningful change for children facing challenges similar to Beckett’s.
Editor: It sounds like a wonderful initiative that not only supports a child in need but also brings together a community of artists and supporters.How can others get involved or contribute to the Little Bee Gallery initiative?
Suzanne Mireault: There are many ways to get involved! People can visit our website, browse the art available, and make purchases that directly support therapeutic needs. We also welcome artists interested in contributing their work to the “Friends with Little Bee” section. Additionally, sharing our story on social media or with friends helps us reach a wider audience and increases awareness about our cause, which is incredibly valuable.
Editor: Speaking of raising awareness, what do you believe the broader implications of initiatives like Little Bee Gallery are for the disability community and the art industry?
Suzanne Mireault: Initiatives like Little Bee Gallery showcase the powerful intersection of art and advocacy.They remind us that creativity can drive social change and foster community support. For the disability community, it emphasizes the importance of resources for therapy and care, while highlighting that these needs can be met through creative outlets. For the art industry, it opens new avenues for artists to contribute meaningfully beyond traditional sales, emphasizing the role of art in fostering compassion and understanding.
Editor: That’s a beautiful outlook. If someone were to visit the Little Bee gallery, what can they expect to find beyond just art?
Suzanne Mireault: Visitors can expect to find a community-driven experience. Each piece in the gallery comes with a story, reflecting not only the artist’s vision but also the journey of children like Beckett. We aim to cultivate an surroundings where art is both a visual pleasure and a rallying point for supporting meaningful causes. There’s also educational data about cerebral palsy and the importance of inclusive community support.
Editor: Thank you, Suzanne, for sharing your incredible journey and the impactful work being done through Little Bee Gallery. It’s inspiring to see how art can transform lives and create pathways to support those in need.
Suzanne Mireault: Thank you for having me! I encourage everyone to check out the gallery and see how they can be part of this journey. Together, we can make a significant impact for children with disabilities.