Paint With A Purpose Socials

Paint With a Purpose (2016-present): Paint With a Purpose are the paint socials that started as a fundraiser in collaboration with Kidz4Kidz Young Adults International, a youth character and entrepreneur program of ICB Productions Foundation, to raise funds for the It’s Kool to Know: Goma Boy/Girl Inclusive Community Building Fest in San Diego, California. In addition to raising funds this event was an invitation to the community to learn more about The Ellison Model and the 7 Step Process developed by Dr. Deryl G Hunt, former CEO of ICB Productions, Inc. Following the fundraiser, I was approached by John and Crystal Harvey to lead paint socials in collaboration with their business Your Savory Fare. We hosted Paint With a Purpose socials on Fridays and Saturdays for 6 months in which I facilitated discussions centered on The Ellison Model and the 7 Step Process. The Ellison Model is a living model that is characterized by caring, sharing loving, trust, honor and respect, where individuals are mentored on how to build positive character and economic development through the 7 Step Process or GOMABCD, both of which were developed by my mentor, Dr. Deryl G. Hunt. Merging Dr. Hunt’s teachings with the foundation of producing colors using primary colors, red, blue and yellow, I was able to explain to participants how the blending of colors can relate to everyday life experiences and building positive relationships, expanding one’s associations and impact. My core values, compassion, growth, creativity and development are demonstrated in my appreciation of art where I can express myself creatively and give others the opportunity to express themselves through art. Facilitating these Paint With a Purpose socials has allowed me to collaborate with other individuals who share the goal of building sustainable relationships. Participants can appreciate learning about and understanding the stories of people from various cultural and ethnic backgrounds, thereby building positive and productive relationships through art.