Hi, I'm Paula and my friend Bobby G is a talented queer artist. They are in school for their Bachelors in Fine Arts. Look at this!

The Ask: Help Bobby complete this semester by donating here!

Due to an error they’re appealing, they owe $2,880 for this semester. A chunk of this has been paid, but more is needed. This is also an ongoing fundraiser for university fees and supply expenses. Examples of expenses: Old Holland professional grade classic oil paint set $372.60, Winsor & Newton Professional Cotton Canvas $4.89-68.37 per canvas

The back story: this fundraiser is also called “a 1st generation student, trans, autistic artist vs The Man”

Bobby grew up in South Carolina with a story as difficult as you can probably imagine. Through trauma, finding their trans identity, and discovering their neurodivergence, they have made and shared artwork that is powerful and moving. As an artist and student, they work toward practicing their creativity on a daily basis, and as their housemate and friend, I am lucky to witness and be inspired by them every day. Through the medium of film below, they talk about their art and approach to creating.

Bobby is 34 and is returning to school for their BFA after working as an illustrator and freelance artist for years. After high school, they worked in the film industry as a young adult. Check out some cool work:

“Wake Up”

”Knees”

Bobby moved to Colorado in 2019 and made it their home.

Unfortunately, University (unnamed on purpose) denied them in-state tuition last semester. They were wrapped up in health concerns with pre-cervical cancer when the out of state decision was made last semester and didn't have the energy to fight it.

This semester, they were ready to prove their residency.

Even though Bobby was assured they would be granted in-state tuition this semester, they are in a process to prove their Colorado residency again, and it is not guaranteed. In-state tuition is approx $5,000, but they are being charged over $20,000 per semester. While this process groans on, classes have started, and Bobby will be dropped from classes if they don’t pay this unfair amount. Despite grants, loans, and scholarships, they are still being charged over $2,800, with no funds left for professional art supplies. As a first-generation student working hard to live off of their illustration income, this is too much.

Bobby is using resources to fight the system (aka The School we are not Specifically Naming for Legal reasons) to stop the discrimination they are experiencing. In the meantime, we hope that we can raise enough money to keep them in their super cool classes this semester.

Bobby's show at SAME cafe Denver in Sept 2022.

Bobby and friend Alex volunteering at SAME cafe for a community art project helping and guiding individuals creating a mural.

Community building and community access to art are super important to both myself and Bobby. As a way to promote accessibility in the arts, they volunteer for Conspiracy Art Collective: a group of artists working to create spaces for artists to show and sell their work without any upfront expenses.

Any funds raised will go toward tuition at Unnamed University and art supplies for Bobby to keep glowing up the world.