April 27, 2011

What a great time I had giving Treasure her dot today. It was a different kind of ceremony. As always, I try to think about what Michael Jackson would want the Tribute to do. Sometimes I place dots up on a stage in front of hundreds of people. Sometimes I place dots for celebrities in front of the media. Today I met Treasure and her mom at a park. It was the perfect setting and I thought if Treasure is bringing her mom then I should bring my mom, too. So my mom and I got to spend some quality time with Treasure and her mom. The only cameras around were the ones our moms were holding.

After I drew Treasure's dot I gave her my pen and she gave me a Friends of Treasure T-shirt. When it was time to go, Treasure's mom, Chelsa, had to call Treasure back to say goodbye. She and her friend went to an open area and played catch with a tennis ball. After all, she is a kid and we were at the park. It was at that moment when I realized we had accomplished our goal of doing it Michael's way…the portrait at the park with happy kids playing in the background. It was a perfect day.

Treasure has been through so much and has come out smiling. She deserves a special dot in Michael's heart. Please visit
http://www.michaeljacksontributeportrait.com/article.php?article_id=331to find out more about Treasure and her non-profit charity, Friends of Treasure.

David Ilan
Artist, The Michael Jackson Tribute Portrait