(Silent Auction Bidding Closes at 9:00 PM, May 1, 2025)

Beautiful artwork collaboration created by local artist Amy Eichler and Arkansas Children's patient Roc, age 9.

ABOUT ROC
At age 3, Roc was diagnosed with Marfan syndrome, a genetic connective tissue disorder requiring lifelong treatment. He sees multiple specialists at Arkansas Children's Hospital and has undergone several eye surgeries. Despite being unable to play contact sports, Roc is incredibly imaginative, creative and empathetic. He loves guitar, swimming, cooking and robotics. His mother says, "He builds entire worlds in his head and will tell you that one of his favorite hobbies is 'just sitting and thinking.'" Roc particularly enjoys space, Harry Potter and music.

ABOUT THE ART - "Journey" the Highland Cow

From the artist: Roc and I first met in November 2024 when I was painting live in the lobby at Arkansas Children's Northwest with the Crystal Bridges Mobile Art Lab. We instantly connected as he came to me with an explosion of questions about my art, the animals I was painting, and even suggested names for all of them (which I agreed and even named one after him). He provided connection for me as I worked, and I was able to calm any anxiety he had prior to his procedures for Marfan syndrome. When presented with the opportunity to paint for the Dish event, I knew just the co-artist who could help create the perfect piece.

Roc suggested we paint a bull, and it was clear which one would bring our vision to life-a highland cow! Highland cows are the ultimate dichotomy of a fierce horned bull and a furry, cuddly cow. Roc, who has proven himself to be the ultimate namer of paintings, without hesitation had a name for the bull. Even though he said 'Jeremy', and I misheard 'Journey', we had a good laugh -and then realized it was kind of perfect. It captured both his journey through diagnosis and treatment as well as our shared adventure creating this painting together.

View more of Amy's work on Facebook and Instagram @amyeichlerart or www.amyeichlerart.com

• 20" x 30" (1.5" deep edges) Acrylic Painting on Canvas

Buyer to pick up at Arkansas Children's Foundation in Springdale (4093 W Sunset Ave, Suite 102, Springdale, AR 72762) on Friday, May 2nd from 12 PM to 4 PM or Monday, May 5th from 9 AM to 1 PM.