Hello!

Our names are Victoria Gambill, Alina Charles, and Macey Horton; we're full-time senior undergraduate illustration students attending the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), asking for support to get our passionate group of students to Lightbox Expo 2026! Our group of students is based in Rhode Island, making access to life-changing career opportunities, education resources, and the animation industry on the West Coast extremely difficult. Due to the limitations of our university, we're not able to support our students' travel expenses, lodging, and convention passes.

For those who don't know, Lightbox Expo is an annual convention that happens in Pasadena, California, from October 22nd to the 26th. It is one of the largest gatherings of concept artists, illustrators, animators, and entertainment designers. The convention features portfolio reviews, industry panels, live demonstrations, and studio participation from major animation and game companies.

This support would cover flights from Rhode Island to California, safe hotel lodging, and 3-Day Lightbox Expo passes for 15 - 20 hard-working students. This support would also allow our students to build their portfolios and let their individual voices be heard as they fight and work tirelessly to keep original storytelling and ideas alive. Your support gives students direct exposure to industry professionals, portfolio feedback, and networking opportunities that are difficult to access from the East Coast.

If you're able to give, any amount brings us closer to our group's dreams of being storytellers, successful artists, and Lightbox Expo attendees. Like every profession, being in the right 'room' can change the trajectory of a young professional's journey. If you're not able to give, sharing our fundraiser is just as impactful and may help it reach someone who can help us out!

Thank you for supporting us and believing in our goals, hopes, and dreams as students and as storytellers.

Victoria, Macey, and Alina <3