teen spotlight
photography by Lauren Childs
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12, 7th grade at New Horizons Homeschool in Alexander City
notable
“Today Show’s” Best Pint-Sized Picasso finalist; Kitty Dark Art
Award; Founder of Hannah Z, Art 4 All, and Paint 4 Your Pancreas; Member of Alexander City Chamber of Commerce
quotable
“Some people tell me that I’m strange for wanting to own my
own business or that I am giving up my childhood to do something that only adults should do; others just think it’s cute, and
thensome don’t take me seriously. ”
how it began
Hannah Walton started painting at 6 years old and had sold her
first artwork by the time she was eight. Now, at 12, Hannah has
made a name for herself in as Alexander City’s youngest business
owner with the opening of Hannah Z, a store for her hand-made
clothing, home décor and artwork.
Hannah’s art has been recognized locally and nationally.
Hannah also founded Art 4 All, a nonprofit that provides free art
education to more than 13,000 children across the Southeast.
She also founded Paint 4 Your Pancreas, a paint party fundraiser
created in memory of her grandfather that raises funds and
awareness of pancreatic cancer and research by the Lustgarten
Foundation.
what’s next
Hannah is well on her way to fulfilling her dreams of becoming
a respected designer and traveling art teacher. “I want to be
remembered as someone who loved art and loved to share it with
others,” said Hannah.
hannah walton
PG (parental guidance) rating
Hannah looks to her mother, grandparents and art mentor Dawn
Thornton as inspirations. “They have helped to raise me to know
that with love and support from people who love you, you can
accomplish anything,” she said.
Alexander CIty, AL
parents’ perspective
Hannah’s mom Allysen Walton admires Hannah’s determination
and her passion. “Hannah is never afraid to try something new;
even if it fails, she tries new and creative ways to make it successful.”
Allysen admits that she takes the backseat and allows Hannah to be
herself. “I support her decisions if I see they will help her become a
better person,” she said.
parent-to-parent
Allysen advises other parents to: “Encourage your child. Allow their imaginations to guide them; it normally leads them
to something that they love. Allow them to see that it’s okay to
make mistakes through your mistakes. It shows them that no
one is perfect and when they make a mistake, it shows that they are
not a failure; it just means they have to try harder.”
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