My name is Kayla Salisbury, I am an Artist, Art teacher and the founder of Coloured Art Studio, an Arts Education 501(c)(3) nonprofit that serves South Central LA. I was given an opportunity to be apart of the Crafting the Future Art Residency in January 2022 in which I've grown tremendously with other amazing Artists. With this opportunity, I've been able to grow in my craft and have even been able to teach aspiring young Art students lessons stemming from the nonprofit.

Tragically, this Friday afternoon, Sept 30 around 2p, a fire started on the rooftop of the building, directly above our studio, which triggered the sprinkler system. Even though this was a shared space, the sprinkler system flooded my area.

Along with fire, debris, smoke, pieces from the ceiling, soot and because of the chemicals released by the sprinkler system, my Artwork has been destroyed. This includes valuable Art books and teaching resources, children's Art supplies and artwork, materials and goods completely ruined. All of the Art prints and canvases were soaked and most, were completely disintegrated. And even the nonprofits promotional fundraising retail which included brochures, booklets and a few pieces of apparel werent salvageable.

I was provided this area in a shared artist space by the Art Residency, but according to Firefighters, due to building code violations, it may not be the safest to stay here. Not only have I lost my Art studio, but the nonprofit and my students, have nowhere to go being this isnt the safest place anymore.

Since 2020, I have done nothing but given back to the community by creating new opportunities and introducing Art for children and schools of my neighborhood that lacked access to these types of programs and with this devastating tragedy, it has brought all of our progress to a screeching halt.

So now, this is the time for me to ask for help in return. Anything you can do to support, help, offer connections will be greatly appreciated. I trust in God and his plan of this not being the end, and I am just praying that whatever happens next, I am in good spirits and able to get back to giving, creating and teaching.

Any funds collected will be used to :

> reprint destroyed Art prints

> replace Art books

> the purchase of new canvases & art materials

> new Art supplies for the children

> new tables and chairs for the children

and more importantly,

Help us move into a new safe environment

In case you want more information about the nonprofit > colouredartstudio.weebly.com

If you wish to donate directly to the nonprofit > https://colouredartstudio.givingfuel.com/coloured-art-studio-arts-education-nonprofit