By AFTI Board Member, Joy Yoshikawa

Thanks to the participation of our artists inside and out, the dedicated staff and volunteers of AFTI and Unity Church, and the many participants who donated time and money to our first ever fundraiser, Paint with a Purpose was a great success.

The event was held in the community gallery space at Unity church, buzzing with great energy and filled with powerful AFTI artworks. Ten large tables were filled with easels, canvases, brushes and palettes filled with paint – already for our fifty painters to paint their portion of the collaborative “final” painting inspired by “untitled” by Amanda Peltier.

It was an evening of community and collaboration, education and empathy. For many it was a chance to experience what so many artists have felt – the power of art to heal and center oneself, and to express and create in a no-judgment zone. Participants were inspired by the panel discussions with artists Toby Johnson and Roberto Lopez-Rios via Zoom and Lux Thunberg, Luke (Apotheosis) and David Lenarz, Jr., present and helping at the event. Many family members of AFTI artists were also present and graciously shared their stories and their hearts with us.

In the words of one attendee, “This was an amazing evening. I hope you do it again!” With your help and participation, we will.

Watch this short video see the highlights of the event! https://youtu.be/9JSg0GTHXyE?si=qdKbGRL9LyFgddUE