Help Annie Bring Art to Gilroy Youths

Hello! Thank you for taking the time to read about this fundraiser. I'm Annie Dong, and I graduated in 2024 with a Bachelor's Degree in Art and Psychology. I am an artist and art educator who specializes in large-scale murals. My thesis, "Community Impact: Murals & Public Art," focused on the importance of producing more public artworks in communities, especially for underrepresented youths. I conducted a study on how adolescents participating in community murals can affect their well-being. Through my research, I discovered how art can positively impact a child's life and serve as an outlet for self-expression.

I had the opportunity to work with teens from the Boys & Girls Club of Manatee County and received funding to build a 9x12' canvas for a community mural project. Witnessing how meaningful it was for the kids to get involved was truly rewarding. The mural is now displayed in the city of Bradenton.

I plan to apply for graduate school to further explore this impactful topic. However, before finalizing my graduate school plans, I was accepted into a 2-month artist residency from October 3rd to November 20th in Gilroy, California. Beyond personal accomplishments, my goal is to give back by organizing a community mural project for the people of Gilroy. While I'm covering some travel and other expenses out of pocket, I failed to secure full funding through grants and other avenues due to budget cuts and the lack of a public art committee in Gilroy. You can read more here, Keep Arts Alive in Gilroy and protecting the arts in gilroy schools

My main goal during this residency is to offer free workshops for local youths, paint murals with me, and educate them about community murals and art. Eventually, I hope to donate the mural platform we built to the city of Gilroy. I've identified approved walls where I can paint a mural with the local youths. To make this happen, I need help in the form of donations to fund art supplies. Art materials can be costly, and I want to ensure that financial constraints don't prevent any child from participating in this project. Your contributions, no matter the amount, will go a long way in making this project possible. Thank you very much for your support!