“Journey The Highland Cow”
*30% will be donated: 15% to the Arkansas Children’s Hospital NW Auxiliary and 15% to the Marfan Foundation. Allow 2-3 weeks for pickup or shipment.
The Story …
In April 2025, I collaborated with 9 year old Roc Fittin, an Arkansas Children’s Hospital patient, on our newest painting up for auction. Roc and I first met in November 2024 when I was painting 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 did not hold back and let his true artistic self emerge as the color and depth magically developed with the color-layering process I walked him through. We started right away painting the face… I painted the right eye, he painted the left, I painted the right ear, he painted the left, and so on. Then by the end we were jumping around the canvas excitedly adding color together. Roc even suggested adding a field of grass. What resulted was a vividly colorful Highland cow that perfectly balanced rugged strength with gentle charm.
The name Journey captures both his journey through diagnosis and treatment as well as our shared adventure creating this painting together.
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.
The Event
Journey raised $2,075 in the Auction!
With 49 bids, over double the value, and down to the very last few minutes of the auction, “Journey” has gone to a great home! 100% of the winning bid benefits the Arkansas Children’s Hospital NW.
Purchase an embellished, signed, and varnished ready-to-hang canvas print from Amy to continue giving back.
*30% will be donated: 15% to the Arkansas Children’s Hospital NW Auxiliary and 15% to the Marfan Foundation. Allow 2-3 weeks for pickup or shipment.