There is an old adage that says
"that which does not kill me can only make me stronger."

 Never has this been proven truer than in the case of Georgia-born artist, Jackson Bailey. Any of the many obstacles he had overcome in his 76 years might have destroyed a lesser man, yet Bailey thrived and turned those hardships to his advantage, using them as a catalyst for both his faith and his artwork. Born in Atlanta, Georgia in 1927, Mr. Bailey's physical trials started early. At the tender age of only three months, he was stricken with double pneumonia and was not expected to live. His incredible strength of spirit was evident even at this early point in his life, as he struggled his way back to good health. Just over a year later, he was dealt another crippling blow. His doctors diagnosed a severe case of polio, and tried to convince his family that he would never have the ability to walk. Bailey proved them wrong when he began to walk at the age of eight, once again showing what tremendous personal determination and an abiding faith in God can accomplish. It was during this period in his life that he began to paint. At the age of five, a friend of his father's gave him his first set of paints, thinking it was something he could do to pass the time while he was confined by his infirmities. Little did anyone dream of the heights to which his natural talent would let him soar, in spirit if not in body. Entirely self-taught, Bailey credits the Lord with his ability, stating, "I didn't need a worldly teacher. I had the greatest teacher of all at my side... Jesus Christ!" In 1960, disaster struck once again. At the age of thirty-three, Bailey suffered a massive heart attack, followed by a paralyzing stroke. The miracle of his recovery prompted him to make a commitment to God to paint the Life of Christ as his personal show of gratitude to the Lord for allowing him to continue his Christian ministry. This masterwork measures 11 feet tall by 1,000 feet in length and is the largest religious oil painting in the world. The attention to detail and historical accuracy of this painting has awed those that have been privileged to see it. Bailey's life continued to be plagued by misfortune. In 1971, nearing the completion of the Life of Christ, he survived an accidental gunshot wound from an antique collector's pistol. Just four years later, he successfully underwent surgery to remove a brain tumor that had been causing near blinding headaches. Despite all of this, Bailey's faith in God remained unwavering. Although the Life of Christ is a record holder, it is far from the only significant work that Bailey has produced. Freedom depicts the Statue of Liberty cradling the Bible and brandishing the Cross-aloft. Creation, as envisioned by Mr. Bailey, shows the hands of God surrounding our globe. Wisdom depicts Moses pondering the Word of God, while the meaning behind the Garden of Eden is clearly evident. Mr. Bailey is even the creator of the Flag and Great Seal for DeKalb County, Georgia, which are still in use today.  From his collection of clowns, to his historical scenes, and life size sculptures, Jackson Bailey is an artist of many talents. Portraits include Governors of Georgia, President Jimmy Carter and other historical figures. 

Jackson Bailey passed away July 12, 2004 never having seen his masterpiece placed in a permanent home. We at The Jackson Bailey Art Museum ask for your help in building that home.

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