Ashley is a fine artist from Atlanta who started doing commercial murals about 5 years ago when she left her prior career in mental health. Ashley originally wanted to make art that told stories that are important to her, but she expanded her vision to an art company that could fund her art career and help others express their creativity– ArtzyBella. Artzybella just launched an online platform/app and subscription box teaching people how to use art for mental health and wellness.
“It stood out for our selection committee that not only is Ashley a prominent rising artist, she’s also an entrepreneur. Her courageous life story rejects the narrative that you have to ‘do it one way.’ She is creating art, life, and a business that matters not just to herself, but also to her community. We look forward to her art inspiring the Valor community of change agents,” says Lisa Calhoun, Valor founding general partner.
“My vision for this commission is to tell a story about inclusion based on my unique lens as the founder of a tech startup in my hometown of Atlanta, GA, having experienced investors and startup resource centers that operate with an inclusive mindset and experience those that do not care about inclusion as much as they should,” Ashley shared in her application.
“I’d like to visually convey the issue but celebrate and highlight the hope that exists from orgs like Valor and the positive impact you are having on female and/or minority tech/start up founders like myself. In hopes that it will inspire others to do the same. I’ll use bright vibrant colors, bold phrases, and lots of detailed line art to create a piece that makes people want to stop and spark discussion that lead to change.”
We’re looking forward to seeing the work that she is creating! It will be shared as limited series reproduction with the Valor community in December.