Paint Love, Inc., an Atlanta-based nonprofit with a mission of bringing extraordinary arts programming to youth facing poverty and trauma, raised $6,140 at its fifth annual Artist Challenge fundraiser this past Saturday, surpassing the organization’s $5,000 fundraising goal.

The fundraiser, which was hosted virtually via Facebook Live due to the COVID-19 pandemic, featured three local artists who raced against the clock to complete a painting in just three hours. Their completed works of art were then available for auction through the following day. This year’s artists included Muhammad Yungai, Angela Bortone and Cathryn Bozone.

The fundraiser attendees were challenged to donate in order to help artists “unlock” the supplies needed to finish the artwork during the live stream. This year, the event was moderated by Daryl Funn who provided check-in interviews of the artists throughout the competition, and viewers also listened to live music, attended a yoga session and learned how to craft an origami butterfly.

All donations from the event will support Paint Love Inc.’s youth summer programming and will help bring 361 art kits and project guides to the kids that they serve at Women’s Resource Center to End Domestic Violence, Our House, Inc. and New American Pathways. Paint Love’s programming engages youth who have experienced a range of trauma and provides creative experiences to empower them to imagine a future not limited by the adversity they face.