Help Me Return to Art School

Hello my name is Delaura Christie-Washington, I have completed 2 years of my BFA at School of Visual Arts. I completed my sophomore semester in 2023 but unfortunately had to take a leave due to extenuating circumstances.

My work centers around identity and the black experience. My focus has been oil painting creating works larger than myself concentrating on black hair. To exert these ideas during my educational hiatus I have resorted to aiding models with hair design, but this alone has not been sufficient to sustain me. I am looking forward to getting my degree and having access to the space and tools to dedicate my time to the studio. I’d be the first in my family to graduate college and I’m trying to reach that milestone.

In the middle of my freshman year I lost my family home and for summer of that year and 2023 I stayed with friends for the time that the school year ended. I wasn’t able to pay the remaining balance from my sophomore year I scrambled to find an apartment and another job. I have been working hard this past year and a half being out of school not doing something I'm super passionate about.

Paying for school has always been an issue for me and my parents were not qualified to co-sign any loans I needed to take out for school. Being under 24, I was unable to apply for school as an independent which would be the only way I could qualify for more loans and financial support. On April 4th 2025 I talked to my financial advisor and because I have proof that I have been consistently supporting myself and living separately from my parents for long enough I should be able to attend school as an independent!!

However, I have not had enough extra funds to cover my prior balance of 3,500. For me to register for classes this next semester I have cover my balance by July so I am hoping for any extra help I can get and I’m extremely appreciative of everyone able to donate or share.