I am enthralled with creating art and have been since I was a child. Creating art makes me feel connected, alive, and purposeful.
You decide who will appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display their work at The Art of Elysium's Salon!
Photographs. Specifically documentary photos that are a catalyst for change. I am driven by an emotional pull that leads to cathartic connections . I am interested in revealing feelings and experiences that would otherwise go unseen. My heart is invested in documenting the reality of pediatric cancer and other under-documented health issues. A thread of love, community, and support runs through this work in tandem with devastation. I want and need my work to illicit an emotional response.
Where do you find inspiration?I find inspiration in connecting with people and learning about their lives. I am inspired by emotional vulnerability, empathy, and resilience. After my husband died, I quickly learned that human connection is all we truly have. I am also inspired by the human condition and how our innermost turmoil can push us to the edge and be a catalyst for art that makes change.
What would you do with $25,000?I would donate to childhood cancer research. It is sorely underfunded, with only 4% allotted from the NIH. Any remaining funds would go towards the continuation of my pediatric cancer project so that I may reach a wider variety of families and patients. I make this work to one day inspire legislative and policy reform around health funding.
Vote for Amanda Villegas to become The People's Artist while supporting a great cause! Cast your free daily vote or make an even bigger impact when you vote by donation, supporting The Art of Elysium in their mission to use art as a catalyst to help people triumph over difficult life challenges.
Colossal is a nationally registered professional fundraiser that inspires people to advocate for themselves and those in need. Through online competitions like The People's Artist, Colossal offers participants the opportunity to make their mark while also making a big impact.
