My name is <a href="https://www.anastasiagarciaphoto.com">Anastasia Garcia</a>, I am a fashion photographer raising money for Joelle St. Julien to be able to finish her final year of art college. <a href="https://www.indivsuals.com">Joelle</a> is a hard-working, and talented photography student who hopes to complete her final year at Ringling College of Art and Design. I met Joelle during the interview process for my 2020 Summer Internships. We were slated to work together this summer, but due to the COVID 19 pandemic, she was unable to attend. Not only did she lose out on her summer internship… but now she is at risk of not being able to complete her final year of college due to financial limitations, and increased tuition costs.  Joelle has diligently dedicated herself to her craft, maintaining her grades, and growing as an artist for the last three years. At this point, her family has exhausted their financial options (Her mom took on a second job in her freshmen year just so she could attend school at all).  In Joelle's own words: "As a kid, my dream was always to be a dancer or a doctor. In my second year of pre-med, I decided to take a beginner's photography class and from that moment on I knew taking photos is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Photography for me is freeing and gives me a sense of purpose. It’s not just about creating lasting moments but also being an advocate for a cause. For me, It is about giving a voice to those that cannot speak and spreading awareness by documenting and shining a light on the complex issues and unjust discrimination African Americans face today." ********** Only 4% of art school graduates are Black. While only  8% of working artists are black. Currently in Joelle's entire department… she is one of only three black students. And when I graduated from the same alma mater in 2009, there wasn’t a single black photo major in my year— in fact, I was the only non-white photo graduate in my class. I truly believe that education is where discrimination begins for many young POC - especially black- artists. This is how black voices have diminished from art and media. It begins with education. And I am sharing these statistics to illuminate the reality that art schools are very much white spaces. The fact that only 4% of black art students graduate isn't an accident. Learning institutions fail to support students of color and by way of exorbitant tuition costs, alienate marginalized students. But as a community, we can help. We can uplift young black creatives. We can help fund black women in creative fields-- especially photography. Because young black artists should be afforded the same opportunity for growth as their white peers. Joelle has a story to share with the world, and she deserves that chance. She deserves to graduate.  Her spring semester begins September 7th, and we need to raise the funds by August 15th.  Here is a breakdown of the cost and where the funds will go:  Fall 2020 Semester $16,872 Spring 2021 Semester $16,473 Total for school year $33,345 +Thesis $2000 +Graduation Fee $500 +Books &amp; Supplies $1,170 _________________________________ Total funds needed: $35,845 If you can donate, please consider it. If you are not in a position to donate please share.

Anonymous

Veronica Crespo

Nayvi Rodriguez 

Andrew Charles

Anastasia  Purves 

Brynja  McGrady 

Elizabeth  Macmillan 

Julia Fogarty

Alexandria  Milam 

Lindsey Gilbert

Melissa Hester

Joelle's College Fund

Joelle's College Fund

Still $24,770 to go. Help us build momentum.