When I was sixteen, my mom started our family's LLC so I could turn my art into something real. We built it from nothing, and I've spent every year since pouring everything into it. Last year, I applied to Parsons with a portfolio that was entirely illustration, not one fashion piece. I got in, on illustration alone, into a program that accepts about 8% of applicants. Parsons offered $30,000 in need-based aid but wouldn't match the scholarships I'd already earned from MICA, Pratt, and SAIC, tens of thousands of dollars combined. I appealed twice in person. Both denied. My deposit is already paid, and every other school's deadline has passed. I need $70,000 by August 10th, when tuition is due. Without it, I don't get to defer gracefully, I lose the year entirely.

On August 7th, I'm hosting an art show and auction, paintings, tickets, merch, three days before that deadline, with every dollar going toward tuition. Regardless of whether I make it to Parsons this year, 37% of everything raised, this campaign, the tickets, the merch, the paintings, is starting the Price of Silk Foundation: scholarships and real creative space for young artists across the DMV, so the next kid with a dream doesn't hit the same wall I almost did. My mom taught me I could do anything I set my mind to. I want the next generation from where I'm from to grow up knowing the same thing, and to have the resources behind it.

If you can give, or just share this, thank you. Your support helps me pursue my dream and creates opportunities for the next generation of artists.