Curing Cancer One Masterpiece at a Time!™

Unlike the imposing artiste I pictured Leibovitz to be, the iconic maverick rushing into MCA Chicago proved warm, witty and down to play impromptu photo shoots with Janet’s staff at the Museum of Contemporary Art using whimsical tchotchkes as props. Forget fame - Annie dove right into silly experimentation! They snapped rather than asking the celebrity to shoot them. Mesmerized by their models energy, they forgot about ego or prestige.

Signing books later for legions of worshipping fans, Annie remained gracious despite the grind. When dragged off for other obligations, she pledged returning to an already restless crowd. True to her word, Annie came back still exuding the same creative excitement discovered hours before.

Watching this photography giant play like a precocious kid that day crystallized my experience meeting Annie.

Legends need not loom. Annie's greatness emanates from retaining wide-eyed wonder at imagination’s permutations rather than seeking perfection. Annie’s infectious light taught me about cultivating daily joy, about working instead of chasing masterpieces. She role modeled greatness through presence rather than prestige. I remember Annie's humble playfulness and creation feels most divine when delight leaps first, legacy after.