Help Support Lavaughan Jenkins: Artist, Mentor, and Friend in Recovery

Over the past few months, Boston-based artist Lavaughan Jenkins has been quietly navigating a serious and life-altering health crisis.

What started as a sudden infection earlier this year quickly spiraled into something much more severe. Lavaughan spent nearly two weeks in the hospital and has since struggled with mobility, unable to comfortably stand or walk for extended periods. While coping with these physical challenges, he also received a new and difficult diagnosis: Type 2 Diabetes. This has meant multiple extended hospital stays, countless doctor visits, new medications, and a series of unexpected and ongoing treatments.

Why This Matters

If you’ve ever met Lavaughan, whether at an exhibition, in the classroom, during a studio visit, or even through an online connection, you already know the kind of person he is. Generous. Thoughtful. Encouraging. Always willing to pause and give time to others. A true friend.

Lavaughan has built his life around uplifting others, whether mentoring emerging artists, sharing words of encouragement, or simply being a warm, welcoming face in the Boston and Los Angeles art communities and beyond. His work reflects this same heart: intimate, deeply human, and full of care.

For years, Lavaughan has poured himself into his practice and his community, often putting others first without hesitation.

What’s Happening

Lavaughan has already undergone one major surgery and is currently preparing for a second surgery once he’s healthy enough to proceed.

Unfortunately, the physical recovery has been slow and difficult. He’s been in and out of the hospital for treatments and follow-ups, often for weeks at a time. On top of the physical and emotional toll, this health crisis has made it impossible for him to work.

Lavaughan hasn’t been able to paint for months, meaning no new work. Like many working artists, he doesn’t have a financial safety net. Even basic things like buying art supplies or covering day-to-day living expenses have become a challenge.

How Your Support Will Help

We’re asking for help to cover the mounting expenses Lavaughan is facing so he can focus on healing and getting back to what he loves most: making art and connecting with his community.

Your donations will go directly toward:

Medical bills and hospital expenses

Follow-up care and ongoing treatments

Basic living expenses

Art supplies for when he’s able to return to painting

Support for health-focused lifestyle changes, including nutrition and wellness resources

Every dollar raised will help ease the burden of this unexpected and overwhelming time in his life.

This isn’t just about covering bills, it’s about giving Lavaughan the breathing room to heal physically, emotionally, and creatively.

Thank you for being part of his support system.