Christine Jackson uses her artistic gift to help others

By Joan Janzen

Christine Jackson resides in Medicine Hat but is no stranger to Kindersley. You’ll see her back in Kindersley regularly as she continues to look after her orchard. But she is also busy with another venture, which she calls Gift Art - “Giving Inspiration.” She creates greeting cards and prints, and donates all the proceeds to various charities.

Christine Jackson has created these beautiful greeting cards and prints, and donates all the proceeds to local charities. SUBMITTED

It all began last October when she ordered some graphite pencils. “I used to draw a little bit when I was younger,” she recalled. She started by drawing a couple of pictures and then drew a horse and a dragonfly with coloured pencils.

“It really turned out, and I kind of shocked myself! Christine said. The more she drew, the more inspired she became. “It inspired me so much, I thought - wouldn’t it be neat to use it to help other people.”

Her artistic projects require talent and time; finishing one picture can take ten to fifteen hours. “It’s very time-consuming, but I don’t keep track of time. It’s so peaceful and doesn’t feel like a task,” she said.

She takes her completed artwork to a printing shop and gets full-size prints made, which she then turns into greeting cards. People can purchase the cards by messaging her Facebook page, GIFT Art—“Giving Inspiration Freely Through Art.” Cards can be purchased with a simple message or no message inside, and prints are also available that can be framed or given as a gift.

“I have had a passion to donate to the women’s shelter,” she said. The first proceeds from her greeting cards were donated to the Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter. “And I have a passion for animals; all the pictures I’m drawing are of animals or nature. It’s also important for people to have good mental health, so that’s important to support.”

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Christine for using her artistic talent to support others. Her selfless work not only benefits the community but also serves as a beacon of inspiration for all of us.