The May Arts Marathon has officially come to a close, and I’m proud to share all four finished pieces from this month-long journey: the Eastern Newt, Eastern Chipmunk, Wood Turtle, and Barred Owl.

Each portrait came with its own rhythm, challenges, and little surprises; from layering fur and shell textures to working through busy days and learning to trust the process. Together, they form a small celebration of the wildlife that surrounds us here in Vermont, and a reflection of the patience and resilience that both art and life ask of us.

This project wasn’t just about painting; it was about raising support and awareness for the Community Asylum Seekers Project (CASP). I’m so thankful for every sponsor and supporter who donated, shared, or simply followed along. Your encouragement helped raise funds for asylum seekers rebuilding their lives in Southern Vermont, and your kindness helped carry me through the long painting days.

Though the marathon is over, the impact continues, and I’m walking away from this month with a deeper appreciation for community, purpose, and creative momentum.

Thank you, sincerely, for being part of it.

🧡 Kaitlyn

This week, I officially wrapped up the second piece in my May Arts Marathon series, the Eastern Chipmunk! After lots of layering, adjusting tones, and working through some busy days and rough moments, I’m happy to say this little furball is done (at least for now). I may revisit a few details later, but for now, I’m calling it finished.

With two of the four portraits complete, I’m heading into the final stretch of the marathon feeling proud and grateful. This project has been a meaningful blend of creativity and purpose, and your support has made it even more rewarding.

If you haven’t yet, you can still sponsor my work and help raise funds for the Community Asylum Seekers Project, which provides housing, legal support, and essential resources to asylum seekers in Southern Vermont. Click here!

Stay tuned, I’ll be starting my third piece soon!

Week 3 has been all about the chipmunk! I’ve been steadily layering warm browns and soft textures, working to bring this little Vermont native to life. Watercolor always requires patience, and this week has been a good reminder to trust the process and keep showing up, one brushstroke at a time.

I’m aiming to finish this second piece soon, and I’m feeling energized heading into the final stretch of the marathon.

Even more exciting, together, we’ve helped raise $25,000 so far! That’s halfway to CASP’s $50,000 goal, and I’m so grateful to everyone who’s donated and shared this project. Your support directly helps the Community Asylum Seekers Project provide housing, legal aid, and essential care to asylum seekers rebuilding their lives in Southern Vermont.

CASP has also just launched a mid-marathon virtual gallery featuring work from all participating artists.
You can check it out here:
👉 May Arts Marathon Midway Gallery!

Thank you again for following along and making this project so meaningful. Onward to Week 4!

Week 2 brought some ups and downs, but I’m happy to say the Eastern Newt piece is officially finished! This little amphibian has been my focus for the first half of the marathon, and though it came with a few unexpected challenges (both on the page and off), I’m really proud of how it came together.

I do want to acknowledge a bit of a delay in posting updates. Over the weekend, one of my dogs had a health scare, and my time and energy had to shift toward making sure she was okay. Thankfully, she’s doing much better now, and I appreciate your patience and continued support during the pause.

With the newt complete, I’m preparing to move on to the next Vermont wildlife portrait. I’ll be sharing the subject soon and diving into the early stages of the new piece this week.

Thank you so much to everyone who’s sponsored me so far. Your support means the world and continues to help raise funds for the Community Asylum Seekers Project as they provide housing, food, legal aid, and community support to asylum seekers in Southern Vermont.

More updates coming soon!

The first week of the May Arts Marathon is complete! I started with a watercolor portrait of the Eastern Newt, a bright little amphibian native to Vermont and most active during the spring and fall. It felt like the right place to begin—small, vibrant, and quietly resilient.

This week was a mix of steady progress and a few creative struggles. I spent the first few days building up layers, adding contrast and detail, and getting to know this little creature through paint. Not every session went as planned. I tried a new brush while working on the background and ended up getting the paper too wet. The result was less than ideal, but it’s all part of the process. I’m learning, adapting, and staying committed to the work.

I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has donated. Your support makes a real impact, helping CASP provide housing, food, legal aid, and community support to asylum seekers in Southern Vermont.

Next week, I’ll be finishing up the Eastern Newt and starting my next wildlife portrait. Thank you for following along and being part of this fundraiser. More to come soon!