Help make my
dream a reality!

Your donation helps fund my journey from incarceration to art school. Every dollar supports tuition, supplies, and a future built through creativity.

From a Prison Hobby Room to a University Art Studio — Help Me Keep Going

While incarcerated, I joined the prison’s Hobby Craft program to learn how to paint. That’s where I met someone with a Bachelor of Fine Arts—he became my mentor for over six years, and I’m deeply grateful for everything he taught me.

As I painted each day, an audacious dream slowly took shape: What if I earned a BFA of my own? It felt impossible back then. So I kept my head down and focused on the moment, trying not to hope too loudly.

But quietly, in the part of me that still dared to dream, I saw a future where I was free—and in college.

Now, just two months out of prison, that dream is becoming real. I’ve been accepted into my local university’s BFA program and will start this fall.

But I need your help.

Starting from nothing is hard. Tuition, books, supplies—they all add up fast. Your support can help me buy what I need to learn, create, and rebuild my life through art.

If you believe in second chances, and in the power of art to transform a life, please consider donating. Your help means more than you know.

3% Cover the Fee

Why Your Support Matters

A good friend told me after my release: “Apply for everything. See what happens.”

I had spent 14 years dreaming of this moment—freedom, a new life, a second chance. I had done everything I could to prepare. Still, many of the plans I made didn’t unfold the way I hoped. So, I took my friend’s advice. I started applying—to jobs, grants, programs, anything that opened a door.

Again and again, I found myself returning to one website: the local university’s Bachelor of Fine Arts program. I read the course catalog front to back. I even met with an admissions counselor. But I couldn’t bring myself to apply. I told myself it was the $70 application fee—but the truth was, I was scared. Scared to want something so badly and be told no. Scared that the one thing I’d dared to hope for wasn’t realistic.

But my friend’s voice stayed with me. So I applied.

And I got in.

Now, with the Fall Semester around the corner, I’m doing everything I can to make this dream sustainable. Paying for tuition, books, and art supplies is a challenge—especially starting from scratch. But this is more than just about money.

Prison gave me years of painful introspection. Art became the way I processed that pain—and began to heal. It helped me understand the parts of myself that led me to cause harm… and the parts I needed to nurture to make sure I never would again. Art wasn’t just the tool. It was the answer.

This degree will help me grow—not just as an artist, but as someone committed to giving back. I now work at a nonprofit that amplifies queer voices in prison through art. Serving the people I left behind brings me joy and meaning. Art helped me find my authentic self—and now I’m helping others find theirs.

Your donation supports that work. It helps me keep showing up, keep creating, and keep healing—so that together, we can move toward a world that’s truly free.

Make a donation.

All money made from donations and art sales go directly to paying for college and the art supplies I need to continue to grow as an artist.

3% Cover the Fee

Choose Your Impact

Sketch & Start

$15

Covers a sketchbook, pencils, or basic drawing materials for class.

Day in the Studio

$40

Supports one day’s worth of transit, lunch, and supplies.

Supply Drop

$75

Helps restock paints, pastels, and specialty paper.

Portfolio Builder

$100

Funds an entire week’s worth of supplies for studio courses.

Class Ready

$250

Covers books, digital subscriptions, or project materials for one class.

The Semester Starter

$500

Covers a chunk of tuition or a full art kit for the semester.

 FAQs

  • 100% of donations and artwork sales go directly toward tuition, school fees, art supplies, and the materials I need to succeed in my BFA program.

  • Not at this time. I’m an individual artist raising funds for my own education, so donations are considered personal gifts rather than charitable deductions. But every contribution helps me get one step closer to building a new life.

  • Absolutely. Sharing my story, buying art from my shop, or even just sending a message of support all mean a lot. If you’re part of a gallery, program, or nonprofit that supports artists or returning citizens, I’d love to connect.

  • I’m actively applying to scholarships and aid, but many require time, credit history, or documentation I’m still rebuilding after incarceration. I’m doing everything I can, and your support helps fill the gap during this critical transition.

  • Anything beyond what I need for school and supplies will go toward future projects that support others impacted by incarceration—especially through art. I believe in paying it forward.