Art for The Journey

06/12/2026

📣 Art for the Journey is an honored recipient of the Sheltering Arms Community Partnership grant for 2026-2027! This funding will give us wings to expand accessibility for best-practice art programming to people with disabilities and mobility challenges, built on the acclaimed Opening Minds through Art (OMA) program. We've already loved partnering with Sheltering Arms in their community Club Rec program in Richmond. It's SUCH a treat to continue this relationship through the SA Foundation's deeply aligned mission. Read more at the link about our newest initiative, Elevating Lives through Art, and follow along as we grow!

"We are honored to steward these funds at the intersection of arts and health, and to deliver intergenerational programming and training to help sustain and grow the positive impact the arts have on our lives!" -Cindy Paullin, CEO

https://artforthejourney.org/art-for-the-journey-awarded-12500-operating-grant-from-the-sheltering-arms-foundation/

05/27/2026

More than a decade ago Diane Willson, an art student and Art for the Journey volunteer, asked, could Art for the Journey provide art supplies and a project for a school in the East End of RVA, that she would like to help and support? We said, sure!, and that began what is now a robust art program for students at Anna Julia Cooper School - supported by students from VCU and UR, and Partnership for the Future, and led by Lauren Paullin, Director of Educational Programming for AFJ. In 2015, Dianne and Jamie Wigginton, paired up to deliver the art class years back, and then Stephanie Shanks, Director of Intergen programming for AFJ took the baton, and for the past 6 years, Lauren and her team of amazing supporters, like long time volunteers who dedicate themselves with out fanfare, but with hearts, hands, and commitment, to work together, under the lens of Trauma informed care, and provided heartfelt empowerment for the wonderful students at AJC! This picture the team is holding is of an art work from years ago, and brought a note of nostalgia as Lauren, Stephanie, Jamie, and Mindi Montoro packed up the classroom to deliver supplies to the NEW AJC building and art room, and be ready for twice as many students in the Fall!

05/20/2026

Are you a local artist? Please consider participating in the upcoming Art for the Journey art gala exhibition! visit our website to learn more, and note that the art gala event has grown to an exquisite and very well attended RVA event! Hundreds of artwork is sold to support our mission to transform lives through art! There is a 50/50 split in proceeds artist and mission, so it's a win, win + a win for children, adults, older adults in AFJ's programs! See below!

05/19/2026

Brush Up on Fun: Art Gala Ahead! 🎉 -

04/23/2026

Spring Forward: Creativity That Changes Lives - https://mailchi.mp/artforthejourney/artful-impact-thanks-to-you-4881131

04/22/2026

Today, Art for the Journey's wonderful service learning student staff members Claire (VCU), Skyla (UR), and Syasia (VCU) made prototypes for an upcoming youth program project using solid mod podge. These art tart sculptures hang on the wall instead of becoming a mid-day snack! We think the children will love the project, and we love our work-study service learning staff!!!!

03/19/2026

“When I started attending events with Art for the Journey as a blind veteran, I didn’t know what to expect. I’ve done a variety of activities from painting to making a clay bowl to visiting the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. My greatest creation so far, a glass pumpkin!

Working with Art for the Journey has brought out my creative side, and introduced me to other veterans to socialize and build friendships with. The staff and volunteers are kind and helpful, and as a blind veteran they assist me in making every project come to life.”

— Gerald

We’re so grateful for you too, Gerald! 🎨

12/12/2025

OMA Chesterfield is back in January! We believe people aging in place -AND their caregivers- deserve meaningful community, brain-healthy creativity, and genuine joy. It sounds too good to be true, doesn't it? Come see for yourself!

Tell a caregiver, become a volunteer partner, join the movement to shift the dementia narrative 🧠 🤩

Our own Bonnie Cauthorn shares more on 12 About Town!

Opening Minds Through Art Program begins Jan. 7.

12/02/2025

This Giving Tuesday, consider supporting our mission to bring access to the arts to communities across Richmond. Because art is more than just… art. It’s a container for processing, healing, and growth.

When you give, you’re sparking joy for a child at Anna Julia Cooper.
You’re fostering intergenerational friendships in our OMA programs.
You’re creating space for connection, calm, and community.
You’re offering a moment of reprieve for someone carrying heavy things.

Support our mission today through the link in our bio.