Artist founder, Suzanne Fitzallen Jackson at her Savannah studio. Photo credit: Erin Jane Nelson.
MISSION
The Suzanne Fitzallen Jackson Foundation, Inc. was established by artist founder Suzanne Fitzallen Jackson in 2023.
The mission of the Foundation is to support emerging and mid-career artists through fully-funded artist residencies in Savannah, Georgia with plans to expand future artist residencies in St. Remy, New York.
Director's Welcome
Suzanne Jackson has lived and worked in her Savannah home for nearly three decades. In 2023, she created the Suzanne Fitzallen Jackson Foundation inspired by her own experience at several notable artist residency programs and her deep personal commitment to leaving a legacy of opportunity to the next generation of artists. Her vision laid the groundwork for establishing a program of fully-supported artist residencies based in her beloved Savannah home and gardens.
Suzanne’s home is much more than a home – it is an expression of the artist’s personal and spiritual journey, a kind of work of art in its own right which harmonizes her relationships with the natural world, her family memories, and her studio practice. Surrounded by lush gardens that she describes as a "nature sanctuary," the property presents a rich tapestry of artifacts, memorabilia, and the tools and materials of the artist’s craft. Her intent was to create a program that would make this magical space available as a retreat and residency for the future – effectively a gift of her spirit, creative environment, and resources to other artists at earlier stages of their career.
In 2024, Suzanne welcomed me as the Executive Director of the Suzanne Fitzallen Jackson Foundation. After serving in leadership roles for more than two decades in art museums, I was ready for a new challenge. I knew Suzanne in my last role as Executive Director of Telfair Museums, where I helped support the acquisition of the work Her Empty Vanity for the permanent collection. It’s fair to say that I always felt a kind of electric inspiration through our friendship, and I was delighted to have an opportunity to work closely with her to build something new.
I consider it a great honor to lead the Foundation and to help establish one of the few artist residency programs in the South. We invite you to join our community and welcome your generous support to realize the vision of the Suzanne Fitzallen Jackson Foundation.
Sincerely,
Benjamin Simons
Executive Director