Local Celebrity Opens New Foundation
Local Celebrity Opens New Foundation
Multi-Talented Artist Eric Jones Brings Joy to Children with New Non-Profit, “Sculpting for Smiles”
Nationally known caricature artist and pumpkin carver, Eric Jones has been in the business of making people smile for over 20 years. Now, he’s taking that passion to a new level with his brand new non-profit organization, Sculpting for Smiles, to create one-of-a-kind sculptures for children with serious injuries or life-threatening illnesses.
“My tagline is ‘Laughter is the best medicine, and all laughter starts with a smile’,” said Jones. “The emotional toll these illnesses take on these kids is huge. To make them something that will bring some joy to their life is what it’s all about.”
Many know Jones as the winner of the Food Network’s third season of “Outrageous Pumpkins” and a Season 10 finalist on Food Network’s “Halloween Wars,” though he originally got his start as a caricature artist. “I did that for 20 years before I started to dabble in pumpkin carving,” he explained. “I established a good social media following and got pretty good at it. When the pumpkins rotted, I started doing snow sculptures. Many of them went viral and were featured on Fox and ESPN during football season. Then I started with sand when the snow melted!”
Jones’ non-profit organization grew out of a snow sculpture he was asked to create for congenital heart defect awareness week in February for the Golisano Children’s Hospital in Rochester. “I created a sculpture of Mike and Sully from ‘Monsters, Inc.’ and put it in a spot where kids in longer-term residency could see it,” he explained. “It brought so much joy and so many smiles.”
Since then, Jones has carved Baby Yoda in the yard of “Sophia the Fierce,” who is battling stage IV leukemia, a German shepherd pup for Gabby, who was hit by a car, and Thor for Colt, who is a leukemia survivor undergoing another round of treatment.
Depending on the medium, Jones’ sculptures can last anywhere from two days to three weeks. He noted, “They are temporary, and I think it’s fitting. It adds value to the sculpture.” Like a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers, “We appreciate the beauty because they’re temporary, and that makes them more beautiful,” he said.
When it comes to raising awareness for a cause, such as congenital heart defect awareness month, Jones pointed out that the temporary nature of the carvings generates even more attention. “You’re able to promote a cause so much easier than something that is permanent,” he explained. “There’s an urgency to come see it (the sculpture). Everyone wants a picture while it’s still standing and looking good.”
Jones is thrilled to share the news that Sculpting for Smiles has already raised enough funds for its first sculpture, which will be made for Wyatt, a child in Duke Center, Pennsylvania. For this project, Jones will be creating a sand sculpture of the dog Marshall from “Paw Patrol.” Anyone interested in supporting his registered 501c3 charity can visit www.sculptingforsmiles.com and donate through Venmo, PayPal or credit card.
Jones already has a very busy summer booked but is hoping to set up at some local events where people can see his work and donate. Those who know a child experiencing a life-threatening illness or injury who would like to contact Jones for a sculpture can use the contact form on his website or contact him directly through social media (@Eric Jones Studios).