Keep Detroit Art Free, Fuel The Work

Hi, I am Jaysin Myers, also known as Jaysin Holla. I am a firefighter, a father, a mental health advocate, and a neighborhood artist from 48224. I am a digital artist; the pen and tablet are my tools. I make pictures the way I breathe, steady when I can, sharp when I must. My work is Detroit at heart: murals, mixed media paintings, watercolor nights, small prints that travel from block to block, and open sessions that welcome kids, elders, and anyone who needs a place to exhale.

Why I am raising funds: I want my art to stay free to the public and accessible to people who rarely get invited into galleries. Free pop-up shows, free mental health coloring pages, free workshop seats for teens, free community walls—these are the things that move me. I cover a lot out of pocket; I also run community projects and an urban farm concept, but materials, printing, permits, transport, and space add up. Your support keeps the doors open for the community, not just for me.

Mental health and storytelling: I live with BPD, autism, and bipolar disorder; I write openly about these illnesses, and I weave that truth into my artwork. Sharing the process is part of my therapy and healing. I create tools like my Mental Health Checklist pieces, coloring pages, and journal worksheets, so others can find language and calm.

Expanding the craft: I am building toward hands-on fabrication: welding, metalworking, CNC, and plasma cutting. This will let community projects grow into durable sculptures, signage, and memorial pieces. Funding helps with starter equipment, safety gear, training time, consumables, and metal stock, so neighbors can learn and create with me.

Your gift makes this possible:

Community murals and neighborhood refresh projects across Detroit’s Eastside

Free or pay-what-you-can pop-ups with no ticket price

Youth workshops that teach drawing, composition, and confidence, including my Mental Health Checklist activities

Writing, zines, and free downloads that speak honestly about mental health and recovery

Small print runs to give away at schools, churches, block clubs, and community events

Open studio days in 48224, with supplies on the table so anyone can sit down and make something

Framing, weather protection, storage, and safe transport, so art lasts and keeps traveling

Fabrication pilots: welding and CNC introductions with a safety-first approach, metal sculpture, and community signage prototypes

How I work and why it matters: I have served for more than two decades as a firefighter; I carry that service spirit into my studio. My art speaks about love, resilience, and mental health with honesty and care. I believe in crowning our neighbors, our sons and daughters, our elders, and the loved ones we have lost. I keep my artist credit small in the corner; I keep the spotlight on the message and the community.

Budget and transparency, plain and simple: every dollar goes to materials, printing, youth programming, public installs, permits, transport, and the safe rollout of welding, metalworking, CNC, and plasma cutting. I will post regular updates with photos of works in progress, finished walls, workshop snapshots, fabrication tests, and a simple breakdown of spending. You will see what you made possible.

If you cannot give today, you can still help: share this link, invite me to your school or block club, drop a comment with an encouraging word. That matters more than you know.

Detroit raised me; my art is my thank you. Help me keep it free for everyone.

With gratitude,

Jaysin Holla