Lost Dreams on Canvas

is a program developed by Veterans Against Drugs and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art, my alma mater. Families devastated by the murder of a family member can give photos of their loved one to the coordinator at PAFA who then contacts one of their volunteer alumni artists to paint a memorial portrait.

I painted this young man whose beautiful spirit seemed very present in my studio while I was working. It was a moving experience. Only after I delivered the painting to PAFA yesterday did I google around to see if I could find anything out about him. I was stunned to find an enormous amount of info on his murder and even this tremendously touching short video.

14th Annual Lost Dreams on Canvas Holiday Celebration & Memorial Event
Dec 16, 2007 1-4 pm
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
118 North Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
215-972-7600
Lost Dreams on Canvas

Ronald Santiago, 20 x 16 inches, oil on canvas, 2007