After The Fire- Support Courtney Jolliff's Artistic Journey

I'll get to the fire and the loss in a minute.

I started painting out of pain, when my Uncle Courtney transitioned and I noticed I could hear him while I painted. I just wanted to be closer to him, so I kept painting to keep hearing him. This was two years ago.

Sometimes things happen in life, and two years ago I hadn’t anywhere to live for me and my beautiful pets. I was homeless living in a hotel coming up with creative ways to earn $100 everyday for the stay, for months!

That’s when the well-known artist and collector Raub Welch recognized and discovered my talent! I’ve painted everyday since! Not only painted, but presented my work all over Chicago -- in stores, in communities, at events, anywhere you can think of in Chicago, I’ve been there with my paintings. All of it traveled on my shoulders, back, on feet, or riding a bike with no breaks!

Well, over 100 pieces of my art burnt down on May 9th, 2024, in a tragic house fire. I had created that body of work with plans to move to Detroit to set up my own art studio! I just ask not to let my hard work go to waste! In two years I went from selling $25 paintings on the streets to my paintings selling for $500 off the streets to even $1000!

This isn’t me asking for hand-outs. I want to work! I want to keep painting for a living! This is me asking you all to please put me to work with commissions! Donations from you will help with not only rebuilding my art supplies and work but moving and start-up rent.

If you donate $500 or more, I will be happy to see that as a commission and work with you on providing you a major original artwork. Donations of $250 or more gets a free Courtney Jolliff piece sent to you!