Famous artists go ‘incognito’ as unique charity fundraiser marks 10 years

By Gráinne Ní Aodha, Press Association

Thousands of artworks are going on sale for a charity fundraiser where buyers will not know who the artist is until after their purchase.

For €75, buyers could get a 6×8 inch postcard-size artwork from famous artists including Irish author and environmentalist Don Conroy or fashion designer William Costelloe.

Costelloe is taking part in the fundraiser after the death of his father Paul last year.

The Incognito art sale is in aid of the Jack And Jill Foundation, which provides support for children with neuro-developmental delay.

To date, the project has raised more than €1.2 million in funds to support vital in-home nursing and respite care provided by the charity.

Jack And Jill provides nursing care and respite support to families caring for children up to the age of six, with severe learning disability often associated with complex medical needs.

These may include children with brain injury, a genetic diagnosis, cerebral palsy and undiagnosed conditions.

This year’s sale contains 1,926 artworks in a project that has raised 1.4 million euro for families over ten years.

The sale begins on Wednesday and ends on May 20, when the artists will be revealed.

For William Costelloe, who is the creative director at Paul Costelloe following the death of his father last November, it was so important to continue his father’s support for Jack And Jill.

“Dad was a father of seven and he absolutely loved children,” he said.

“He always had such a love for me and my brothers, and especially for my sister Jessica and, of course, his grandchildren.

“Meeting the beautiful children that he connected with through Jack And Jill, and incognito, he was just so honoured to be part of that journey and to help raise awareness.

“I’ve been working with Jack And Jill for a number of years now on the design of their coveted Christmas candles and it was really important for me to keep up that association.

“I studied fine art and love to work in water colours, because you really capture small scenes and beautiful moments so easily.

“Whether it’s people enjoying a glass of wine over dinner, or lounging on the beach, it’s something that a camera can’t capture.

“I think people generally just love the light brushstrokes too.

“They’re almost romantic.

“I think incognito is incredibly unique.

“I don’t know anyone else who actually does this and I think people love a surprise.

“It really is a treasure hunt and brings joy to people.

“It’s so important that the money keeps coming in for Jack and Jill, because parents need the help and the children need the help.

“As for a hint to my pieces, let’s just say they are very fashion forward!”

Don Conroy said: “For me, incognito is such a truly worthy cause — one that not only highlights the incredible work of Jack and Jill, and the talented artists who support it, but which also gives the public a meaningful way to contribute while enjoying an original work of art.

“On the one hand, there’s such joy in buying a piece of art, and with it the added element of mystery.

“On the other hand, there’s the essential, human contact, and the wonderful reassurance and profound healing, that Jack and Jill nursing and care teams provide by their very presence.

“When it comes to this year’s incognito art collection, there’s such a cross-section of talent, from the professional to the enthusiastic amateur.

“It’s really lovely to see how alive and well the creative expression is in its many forms. When it comes to my own artworks this year, I can divulge that one of my pieces may reveal my romantic side! Happy investigating!”

Hannah McGrenera, from Bishopstown, Cork, is mum to five-year-old Mila Beukers and is also one of the artists.

“It was October 2020 and Mila was rushed to Cork University Hospital after her first night at home, as she wasn’t feeding and an alarm bell went off in my head. Mila spent her first month in ICU, battling seizures,” she said.

“What struck me was the quietness in ICU—full of babies and yet no crying.

“After months of tests, doctors diagnosed Mila with KCNQ2 Encephalopathy, a rare genetic condition causing severe epilepsy and developmental delays.

“After a year, Mila was discharged, the hospital having exhausted its options.

“I remember thinking—how was I going to manage things by myself when there was a whole nursing team in the hospital. I was scared, defeated and totally hopeless; it was the darkest time of my life. That’s when Jack and Jill stepped in. While everything around me was uncertain, they were my rock.”

For the chief executive of the Jack And Jill Children’s Foundation, Deirdre Walsh, said Incognito has meant more children can be cared for, for longer.

“Since incognito started, it has made such a real-world impact for the work that we are able to do,” she said.

“In those ten years, we have gone from supporting children up to the age of five years, to six years, and now to seven years.

“Last year, for the first time, we introduced a counselling service for all families too, providing additional support.

“Artists tell me that it is a real badge of honour to see their art showcased, while for the art buyer, there is the thrill in securing a treasured piece of art.

“Ultimately, what both artist and art buyer delight in is what their support means for parents — time for much-needed sleep, or time for coffee with a friend, or perhaps time to take a sibling to see a movie or go to a match.

“We are so grateful to the artists for giving, and to the public for buying, as the gift of time makes a significant difference for Jack And Jill families.”