Incognito Art Sale Celebrates Tenth Anniversary with Major Charity Fundraiser
The innovative Incognito art sale is marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating ten years of successful fundraising for the Jack And Jill Children's Foundation. This unique charity event features thousands of anonymous postcard-sized artworks created by renowned artists, with buyers only discovering the creator's identity after completing their purchase.
Artistic Anonymity for a Worthy Cause
For just €75, art enthusiasts can acquire a 6x8 inch postcard artwork from celebrated contributors including Irish author and environmentalist Don Conroy and fashion designer William Costelloe. The sale contains 1,926 individual pieces this year, continuing a tradition that has raised an impressive €1.4 million over the past decade to support families caring for children with complex medical needs.
The Jack And Jill Foundation provides crucial in-home nursing care and respite support for families with children up to age six who have severe neuro-developmental delays. These conditions often include brain injuries, genetic diagnoses, cerebral palsy, and various undiagnosed medical challenges requiring specialized care.
Continuing a Family Legacy of Support
William Costelloe, creative director at Paul Costelloe following his father's passing last November, emphasized the personal importance of his participation. "Dad was a father of seven and he absolutely loved children," Costelloe explained. "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."
Costelloe, who studied fine art and specializes in watercolor techniques, described his artistic approach: "I love to work in water colors 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." Regarding his anonymous contributions to this year's sale, he hinted: "Let's just say they are very fashion forward!"
Artists and Families Share Their Experiences
Don Conroy praised the unique nature of the fundraiser, stating: "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." He added about his own contributions: "I can divulge that one of my pieces may reveal my romantic side! Happy investigating!"
The sale also features artwork from families directly supported by the foundation. Hannah McGrenera from Bishopstown, Cork, mother to five-year-old Mila Beukers who has KCNQ2 Encephalopathy, shared her family's experience: "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. That's when Jack and Jill stepped in. While everything around me was uncertain, they were my rock."
Expanding Support Through Artistic Contribution
Deirdre Walsh, chief executive of the Jack And Jill Children's Foundation, highlighted the tangible impact of the Incognito initiative: "Since incognito started, it has made such a real-world impact for the work that we are able to do. 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."
Walsh further explained: "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."
The executive emphasized the practical benefits for families: "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."
The 2026 Incognito art sale commenced on Wednesday, April 22nd and will continue through May 20th, when participating artists will finally be revealed to purchasers. This decade-long initiative continues to demonstrate how creative fundraising can provide essential support for families facing significant medical challenges with their young children.
