Maggi Thorne has partnered with Painting with the Stars to benefit underprivileged youth

Painting with the Stars is a unique organization. Created to “help gain awareness and support to nonprofits that provide underprivileged youth access to the arts,” the fundraising initiative partners with high-profile individuals — who have no real experience painting — to create one-of-a-kind pieces of art that are then auctioned off to benefit underprivileged youth. As the celebrity pieces are auctioned off, 3-5 aspiring young artists will also have the opportunity to sell their artwork.

Cristina Terzes, co-founder of Painting with the Stars, told ANWN that they “want to reach anybody and everybody that has a megaphone. A high-profile individual like Maggi [Thorne], with no art experience (we aren’t talking scribbling or paint and sips), an athlete, and someone with an inspiring story is motivational to anyone. We want the Tom Bradys, Elon Musks, and anyone we can get. The mission goes beyond the physical motions of creating art. It has the power to help with self-esteem, creative thinking, individuality, mental well-being, and much more, especially during the time of COVID when we are feel boxed in.”

Taking a few minutes from shooting season 13 in Tacoma to chat on the phone, Maggi said “For me, any program that has something to do with underprivileged children has my heart. I didn’t have a lot as a kid,” she explained. “I didn’t do sports growing up, so I spent a lot of time drawing. To be clear, I’m not an artist, but I really enjoy it.”

Maggi also shared that during her recovery from her Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), her therapy included drawing. She turned that into an opportunity to spend time with her daughter, sharing avocado toast and drawing mermaids together.

“When they reached out to me, I was excited about it,” Maggi said. “It [art] was a part of my journey.”

The celebrities are given basic art materials and free rein over their design. The goal is to show the students that you don’t need fancy materials or a fancy education to create a piece of art.

Maggi hasn’t decided what exactly she will paint. “Maybe something very abstract related to my brain injury... or maybe a mermaid.”

The auction will be taking place mid-summer, so keep an eye out for more details. Other celebrities who have participated include Jodie Sweetin and Tiffany Haddish. You can follow Painting with the Stars on Instagram or Facebook.