Professional artist Dustin Curtis, left, observes as cancer patient Drew Davidson, 16, draws a sketch for a painting at Hartselle Fine Arts Center. Both will submit their paintings for an A TEAM Ministries auction to raise money for pediatric cancer patients and their families. | Clif Knight

Professional artist Dustin Curtis of Decatur is donating his time and energy to make a difference in the lives of pediatric cancer patients through aTEAM Ministries’ Heart2HeART program.

Curtis is serving as an art tutor for 16-year-old Drew Davidson, an Oxford High School junior who is undergoing treatments for a cancerous brain tumor.

Drew spend most of Thurs, Sept. 19, at Hartselle Fine Art Center, sketching and then using acrylic paints to depict on canvas his eight-month battle with cancer. Curtis stood by his side the entire time, watching carefully and offering advice when asked.

He will use his association with Drew as motivation for a new painting of his own. Both his and Drew’s paintings will be offered at auction next January to raise money for pediatric cancer patients and their families.

“I had talked with Drew only twice on the phone before we met this morning,” Curtis said, “but we share a lot in common and I feel like we’re going to do just fine as art partners. He came in with some good ideas about what he wants his painting to convey and got off to a good start putting them down on paper. He wants his painting to convey victory over pediatric cancer and I know he’s going to do a good job of conveying that.”

Curtis, who specializes in painting animals in their native habitat, said he would probably choose an eagle or an elk for his painting.

“Drew loves the outdoors, especially fishing and hunting, and those two subjects epitomize his passion for life and fighting spirit.”

“I have two children of my own and I’m always open to ways that I can use art to help kids.” Curtis stated. “When I was asked by the aTEAM to help with its Heart2HeART program this year, I jumped at the opportunity.”

“This is the fourth year we’ve relied on the Heart2HeART auction as a means of generating funds for pediatric cancer patients and their families,” said Adam Thrower, an aTEAM Ministries representative. “Since 2009, 25 artists have donated their time and talent to make a difference in a child’s life.”

A TEAM Ministries was founded in 2009 by Andy and Jane Thrower after their 16-month-old son, Anderson, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Its mission is to offer spiritual, emotional and financial support to children and their families within the pediatric cancer community.