My Art Has a Job: To build bridges, not only to hang on walls.

My work was born in the space between pain and possibility. I grew up in places that were supposed to protect me—group homes and foster homes—yet I learned new shapes of harm there. As an adult, I found myself in abusive relationships, and eventually, I turned that harm inward. Self-abuse felt like an inheritance I never wanted but accepted because it was all I knew. That history led me into depression and years of suicidal thoughts—and eventually, an attempt that nearly took my life. I lived in silence, convinced something was wrong with me, that I was the cause of it all. Somewhere along the way, in trying not to be hurt again, I became the one who hurt first.

What took me a lifetime to learn should never be anyone else’s lesson: silence is a slow eraser. It’s taking the lives and light of people who were once innocent children—children who grew up believing they were being punished for what happened to them.

Art gave me a language when I didn’t have words. Texture became truth. Layers became time. Hearts, roots, and light became proof that healing is real—even if it’s slow, imperfect, and stubborn. And now, my art has a job: to bridge the gap in community and turn private pain into public compassion, action, and change.

The Mission: From Domino to Echo to Ripple

My mission is to create a domino effect—one act of care knocking into the next—until it becomes an echo that carries through other voices and lives. I use my canvases as a platform to bring people together across differences, raising funding and awareness for mental health and for those living with (or healing from) abuse.

• Domino: One person shows up. One story is shared. One donation is made.

• Echo: Conversations start in homes, classrooms, galleries, and workplaces.

• Ripple: Resources reach people who need them. Stigma loosens its grip. Communities begin to protect, not punish.

Why Art?

Because art gets past the armor.
A painting can hold what a mouth can’t say. It slows people down long enough to feel the truth of something they’ve been outrunning. It invites strangers to stand shoulder-to-shoulder without asking them to agree on everything—only to recognize the humanity standing next to them. That’s the bridge.

What This Looks Like in Practice

• Exhibitions with purpose: Shows that double as donation drives and awareness events for mental health and abuse prevention/support services.

• Story-powered spaces: Wall labels and talks that connect the work to lived experience—mine, yours, ours.

• Partnerships with nonprofits: Directing a portion of proceeds or specific campaign nights to organizations on the front lines.

• Workshops & talks: Sharing tools for creative coping, community building, and safe storytelling practices.

• Accessible artwork & prints: This way, the message—and the support it funds—can reach more homes.

How You Can Help Right Now

I’ve invested thousands to walk through the first door. I can see how much more is possible—but I can’t do it alone. If my work and mission resonate with you, here are meaningful ways to help:

1. Spread the word
   Tell a friend. Share a post. Invite three people who care about art, healing, or community to visit a show or read this page. Word-of-mouth changes everything.

2. Host or introduce
   Connect me with galleries, community centers, schools, faith communities, and businesses that can host an exhibition, talk, or fundraiser.

3. Sponsor the work
   Help cover supplies (joint compound, substrates, frames, installation hardware), travel to bring the work to new communities, or production (printing, shipping, signage). Individual and corporate sponsorships welcome.

4. Partner as a nonprofit
   Let’s design an event or campaign together—donation drives, awareness nights, art-for-therapy initiatives, or long-term collaborations.

5. Collect with impact
   Purchase an artwork or commission a piece. When possible, I route a portion of proceeds to partner organizations or campaign goals; collecting the work keeps the mission moving.

Transparency & Stewardship

When you support this mission, you’re helping me turn art into advocacy. I commit to:

• Clearly communicating campaign goals and partners.

• Sharing outcomes (funds raised, items collected, communities reached) whenever possible.

• Using materials and methods that honor the story and the people it serves.

A Personal Promise

I will keep telling the truth—about what hurt, what healed, and what still needs work. I will keep making art that refuses to look away. I will keep building spaces where people feel safe enough to be seen, and strong enough to be heard.

My work was born to do more than be seen; it was born to serve. I hope that with you, we can make healing visible. Meet me there—with your help and the power of art, I can continue to bridge the gap and speak for those who cannot speak for themselves; together, we can rise with strength and help others cross it.

—with gratitude,
Amy Ashlyn

If You’re Struggling

If you or someone you love is in immediate danger, please call your local emergency number. In the United States, you can dial 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7), text HOME to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line, or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). You deserve safety, support, and a future with light.

Bring This Mission to Your Community

• To host an exhibit, invite me to speak, sponsor materials or travel, or explore a nonprofit partnership, please reach out via my contact page.

• Media & galleries: I’m available for interviews, features, and collaborative programming that centers on mental health and abuse awareness.