Painting saved me. It’s how I survive, how I speak without breaking, how I turn pain into something that finally feels like mine.
You decide who will appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display their work at The Art of Elysium's Salon!
I create abstract and resin art driven by emotion, not rules. My work comes from real experiences—struggle, growth, and rebuilding. When life felt heavy, art became the only place I could release it without judgment. I don’t paint what things look like, I paint what they feel like. Every layer holds a piece of me—raw, imperfect, and honest.
Where do you find inspiration?I find inspiration in my journey—surviving hard moments, rebuilding, and continuing anyway. I’m inspired by raw emotion, the kind people don’t always express. Pain, growth, silence, and transformation all live in my work. Even struggle has color, and I’ve learned how to turn those feelings into something meaningful and alive.
What would you do with $25,000?I would invest in my dream of painting full-time. For so long, I’ve had to create in between survival. This would allow me to build a real studio, invest in materials, and fully commit to my art. It would turn my passion into something sustainable and give me the space to create work that truly connects and heals.
Vote for Melissa Sanchez 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.
Register now for your opportunity to appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display your artwork at The Art of Elysium's Salon.
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.
