Paint Love, an Atlanta-based nonprofit with a mission of bringing extraordinary arts programming to youth facing poverty and trauma, has named Laura Shaw as its new executive director. The announcement comes as the organization prepares to celebrate its fifth anniversary.

Laura Shaw, former Paint Love operations manager, is stepping into the role previously held by Julie Ann McKevitt, co-founder of Paint Love, who has been the executive director since 2014 when the organization was formed. McKevitt will continue to be involved with Paint Love as the chair of the board of directors. Other board members include Zully Andrea Conde, Katie Whitney, Geoff Pitchford, Laura Thompson and Frances Chang.

“I am thrilled for this next phase with Paint Love and incredibly thankful for the massive amount of support Julie and I have received during this transition,” said Laura Shaw, executive director - Paint Love. “Julie dreamt and built an incredible organization that, each year, is helping thousands of children in the metro Atlanta area. I’m humbled to be given the opportunity to lead Paint Love into the future,” she added.

Founded in 2014 by Atlanta artist Julie Ann McKevitt and husband Aaron McKevitt, Paint Love was created after the couple saw a strong need for artistic outlets for Atlanta’s underserved youth. Over the past five years, Paint Love has grown from serving four partners in 2014 to working with 24 partners in 2018, and has become one of the most sought-after art programs in Atlanta. The organization partners with Atlanta-area Title 1 schools and local nonprofits, including The Women’s Resource Center to End Domestic Violence, Kate’s Club, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Georgia Center for Child Advocacy, Convent House and Wilderness Works. In 2019, Paint Love will reach a milestone of more than 10,000 students served.

In celebration of its fifth anniversary, Paint Love will host “Friends of Paint Love” this fall. This event is an opportunity for potential donors to celebrate Paint Love’s success with live music and refreshments, as well as learn more about the organization and join the Giving Circle. Those interested in donating can give through recurring payments or a one-time contribution to benefit Paint Love programming and supplies.