OUR MISSION
August's Artists is dedicated to supporting pediatric healthcare patients and their families by providing consistent access to window crayons, commemorating their artwork as a celebration of life’s impactful moments, and advocating for family-centered, whole-person care. We believe every child and family should have access to art as a source of comfort during stressful healthcare experiences, a way to celebrate health milestones, and support for healing.
the inspiration
August's Artists was founded by Erica Olenski, inspired by a simple activity during her son August’s cancer treatment: coloring on hospital room windows with crayons. Families used this creative outlet to pass time and process the trauma of a cancer diagnosis. Nurses often bought these crayons themselves, recognizing the therapeutic power of art for families.
Erica realized the importance of ensuring sustainable access to window crayons and founded August’s Artists to meet that need. As the organization grew, another need emerged: commemorating the art created during hospital stays. Often, this artwork became a symbol of joy and strength during difficult times, but it was wiped away when patients were discharged or moved.
To honor these creations and the strength they represent, August's Artists expanded its mission to offer digital art commemoration. This allows families to preserve their artwork as a digital file, which they can use for printing, fundraising, or personal healing.
the spiral
When August - the namesake of August’s Artists - was receiving cancer treatment in the hospital, one of his favorite movies to watch was Moana. The music, the imagery, and the story not only provided entertainment but brought comfort to him while receiving treatment in a familiar - and what became nostalgic - way. The August’s Artists logo was inspired by the “Heart of Te Fiti” spiral - a symbol in the movie Moana representing a source of life, purpose, and destiny - and was reimagined to echo the letter “A” for August as well. Furthermore, the spiral is a sacred symbol of the journey of life and honors the journey we all experience as individuals as we explore and discover our identity - and life purpose - in relation to the universe.