15 Years of Transforming Lives Through Art

Our History

Artistic Dreams International was founded by Lillian Alonzo Marín with a simple but powerful belief: art has the power to transform lives from the inside out.

Our journey began in 2011 in the classrooms of New York City — Harlem and Queens — where we brought professional arts education to children in underserved communities for the first time. Since then, we have expanded across the U.S. and México, reaching communities in Sonora, Chiapas, Puebla, and most recently, Tucson, Arizona.

For over 15 years, Artistic Dreams International has empowered young people across immigrant, Indigenous, rural, urban, and border communities to discover who they are, believe in who they can become, and transform their futures through the power of art.

Our Mission

 To nurture youth K-12 to become creative and resilient world citizens who can transform their lives and their communities through the arts.

ADI Class
We use visual arts as the vehicle,
but our real outcome is resilience,
self-confidence, identity
development, emotional regulation,
and community leadership.

Where the
Journey Happens

6 CREATIVE PATHWAYS

We use visual arts as the vehicle, but our real outcome
is resilience, self-confidence, identity development,
emotional regulation, and community leadership.
Through our model, youth increase their chances
of graduating high school and continue their education.

Art & Self-Love

The journey begins with self-acceptance.
Through creative expression, students develop:

Emotional safety and security
Positive self-image and identity
A Growth Mindset
Healthy relationship with creative process
Ability to express personal narratives
Ability to turn on their inner light

01

Art & Mindfulness

Students develop presence and emotional regulation through:

Breathing techniques paired with drawing
Meditation and visualization practice enhancing creativity
Stress reduction through artistic exercises
Focused attention through creative flow

02

Art & Empowerment

Creating confidence and agency through:

Creating a life mission and vision
Identifying strengths
Expressing and developing a voice
Choosing accountability, integrity and commitment
Choosing resilience

03

Art & Identity

Embracing identity and heritage, connecting students to their roots:
Exploring personal cultural background
Recognizing current beliefs in need of transformation
Emphasizing immigrant role models and strengths
Developing cultural empathy
Celebrating cultural identity through art

04

Art & World cultures

Students explore diverse cultural art forms, techniques,
and histories from around the world:

Global Artistic Traditions: building appreciation and cross-cultural understanding
Collaborative projects inspired by world cultures
Virtual cultural exchange — recognizing the universal language of art
Students begin to see themselves as part of a global community

05

Art & Civic engagement

The final foundation empowers students to use their artistic
voices to address real-world issues:
Community-based art projects (most often murals)
Social justice and advocacy through art
Suggesting awareness & solutions to world issues
Intergenerational and community collaboration
Creating life-long civic engagement

06

48 Wall Street 1100, New York, NY 10005

Art changes futures. Artistic Dreams International makes it possible.

Join Our Community

Copyright ® 2026.     Artistic Dreams International.    All Rights Reserved
Powered by: Impact Design

Hit Enter to search or Esc key to close

Frequently asked questions

Can I change or cancel my gift?

Yes. You may adjust or cancel your monthly contribution any time.

Is my donation tax deducible?

Yes. Artistic Dreams International is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Will I receive updates?

Absolutely. Journey Circle members receive regular updates demonstrating the impact of their investment.