We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Madison Thurman a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Madison, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

Most of the money I make off my Art has been donated towards charities in Kansas City. I have donated over $83,000 from my Art. When I was in my teens I was homeless and was staying in local shelters as well as transitional living homes. Without those shelters I wouldn’t have been able to graduate high school or have a place to lay my head. I create my art with the purpose of giving back to the people who helped make it possible for me to be the young Woman I am today. I want the youth to be able to have the shelter and the supplies they need to survive and strive in life. Every piece I create has meaning to it. I hope to inspire and help people with my Art.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Madison Thurman. I started drawing and painting when I was a kid. Painting and drawing has always been a way for me to express and cope with anything I have going on in life. It is therapeutic for me. My Art started growing in 2017. In 2018 I had my first Art show. It was a success. I then had my second art show a month later, which was also successful. In November of 2018 I had my first major Art show In Kansas City. I got the Oppertunity to meet some very high skilled artists and make life long connections as well. Most of my Opportunities have been from the connections I make when I speak for charity or my art shows. I believe communication is major skill to learn. Don’t be afraid to talk to people and reach out when it comes to your passions and dreams. Closed mouths don’t get fed. I’ve been able to have the opportunities I’ve had because of my connections in life. I have done many Art auctions For charities in Kansas City. I stayed in those shelters at one point in my life so I make it my mission to give back to everybody who helped me out. Most of my money from my Art goes to these charities. I recently had an opportunity to be able to go to New York and share some of my story and my Art with some big people. It was a one in a life time experience. My story and pictures of my Art will be on display at The Kansas City Museum. I am in many books and I also sell and create hand made cutting boards. I provide custom Art and logo design for my customers. My Art is known for all the bright colors and detail I put into it. I don’t make Two of the same paintings. Its one of a kind Art for a great cause.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Something I think non-creatives or people in general struggle to understand about my journey as an Artist is that I’m a human being. I work hard at my job and Im creating my Art business on the side. It is not easy. When your trying to create something for your future besides a 9-5 job, It takes time and attention. It takes organization and commitment. Success doesn’t happen overnight. Ive taken a lot of loses and wins. I never give up though. I study and I work on my craft very often. Art makes me happy and if I can figure out how to make it a full time job then I will. I’ll never give up on what makes me happy.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

The morning before I was supposed to go to New York for my art event and my brother passed away. I had to make the decision if I was still going to go and I did. It was one of the hardest decisions I had to make with my Art career. A week before my brother had passed I remember telling him about the opportunity and he told me he was so proud of me. It was hard not being able to see him for the last time but I know I made the right choice. I gained more than enough connections and clientele for my Art and all my Art was sold.

Contact Info:

• Website: madisonnicolethurm.wixsite.com/mysite
• Instagram: Madison_n_thurman
• Facebook: M.N.T Art
• Linkedin: Madison Thurman

Image Credits
Randy Bacon Andrew Werner