healing through art and games

My journey began when I started creating a collection of paintings and participating in exhibitions dedicated to supporting non-profit organizations. As word spread, my friends and acquaintances became interested in my work, eagerly purchasing and supporting my collections. However, today I want to share a story about my dear friend Lindsey, whom we tragically lost recently. I first met Lindsey nine years ago when she visited my salon, and our friendship quickly blossomed. Lindsey was a remarkable person - kind, attentive, and understanding. She always wholeheartedly supported my artistic endeavors, especially when it came to creating collections of paintings for charitable donations.
With friends like her by your side, you can continue to create and share your art, knowing that you have a strong support system backing you. Cherish these friendships, as they are rare and precious, and continue to inspire each other to make a lasting impact through your passions.
It's incredible how a simple act of kindness can have a ripple effect, inspiring others to get involved. I never expected that sharing my idea of donating a painting to the children's hospital in our city would garner such support. Sadly, the hospital couldn't accept the gift directly from me, but that didn't deter me. I decided to involve everyone, encouraging each child to contribute by drawing a square.

When I shared this concept with a friend Lindsey she immediately expressed her enthusiasm. She promised to involve her nephew and niece and pledged her full support for my project. Her willingness to participate was a turning point for me. It gave me the confidence and motivation to move forward.

My friend and I have always shared our dreams with each other. Now, in honor of her memory, I want to name the painting “Lindsey-Avi”. It will serve as a tribute to her and the bond we shared. Through this project, I hope to bring joy and happiness to the children at the hospital, just as my friend always wanted.

With the support of my friend and others who have joined in, I now believe that I can make this happen. I am grateful for their encouragement and for being the first to embrace this initiative. Together, we can make a difference and create something truly meaningful for the children in need. Our project successfully welcomed 66 children, not only from America but also from Europe. Each child that entered my studio became an opportunity for me to ignite their creativity and inspire them to create one-of-a-kind drawings. I wanted to grant them the freedom to express themselves through their art, allowing them to convey their feelings and perceptions. The result was truly remarkable and I couldn't be prouder of the children who made this project unique. It is my heartfelt desire to share this extraordinary endeavor with other children, as I believe it has the power to touch and inspire them as well. I eagerly anticipate the moment when we can donate this exceptional painting to the children's hospital, bringing joy and hope to those who need it most.

1 C5 Ruby Renno
2 E5 Cash Renno
3 C7 Mimi Bassell
4 B8 Qun Lawson
5 D6 Lulu Koestlek
6 D2 Lewis Alendroth
7 E3 Cameron Keamey
8 B6 Emekson Ewing
9 A5 Rilynn Sandkek
10 G3 Alex Brown
11 B2 Colin Sandkek
12 D5 Lucia Bohl
13 G5 Brooks Bralsh
14 E7 Skye Morgenne
15 D8 Alexis Visselmann
16 H6 Brayden Visselmann
17 H4 Gavin Visselmann
18 D8 Rocco Nellen
19 G7 Josefina Nellen
20 D2 Kaye Estella
21 A3 Madolie Chun
22 D4 Chelsea Lagunes
23 C8 Carlitos Adames
24 A6 Rex Sadowskie
25 F6 Kate Malske
26 C6 Cara Bilek
27 F5 Annabella Lazovic
28 D3 Evie Lazovic
29 G3 Ruby Nellen
30 A7 Millicent Badt
31  H8 Connor Pranco
32 H2 Liliana Vitulli-Bruss
33 D7 Kash Kairo Winters
34 B5 Karsen Winters
35 F5 Quinn Winters
36 C4 Valerie Michalar
37 B3 Sebastian Friedenberger
38 D1 Elyah Friedenberger
39 E2 Mackenzie Filip
40 E1 Samira Mosley
41 G1 Josiah Jimenez
42 F4 Isaac Deberry
43 C1 Deyahel Agosto
44 A1 Uriel Guzman
45 B4 Osmar Rojas
46 C2 Clementine Mueller
47 G6 Zoey Taylor
48 A2 Kiara Molitika
49 H5 Leila Janich
50 A4  Maci Plavulej
51 G8 Kira Plavulej
52 B1 Maia Janich
53 H7 Nicholas Kolak
54 H1 Eleanor Kolak
55 B7 Jaxon Keller
56 E6 Jackson Sadowske
57 G2 Bozeman Sadowske
58 H3 Frankie Taylor
59 E4 Damien Mellon
60 F1 Elodie Mellon
61 A8 Lola Molitika
62 E8 Elena Nicoletopoulos
63 F7 Karsen Tilley
64 G4 Alexia Nicoletopoulos
65 Siena Hesselink (chess pieces) 
66 Rada Skopinceva (chess pieces) 

This painting is temporarily installed in the heart of Milwaukee's Third Ward. You can find it in the Marshall Building, next to Material Studio on the sixth floor. It is open to the public. Feel free to stop by and read the story. Please help me find a permanent home for this beautiful painting.