The Monarch Project, in association with the Junior Commission on Human Rights, is hosting a digital gathering in support of immigrants in Sonoma County through art, with a special emphasis on the essential workers who are vital to our community in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Dare to Dream: A Day of Justice, Art, and Empowerment” will begin at noon on May 9th and continue through the end of May at www.socoimm.org and offers opportunities for everyone to learn about immigration and directly support fundraising efforts.  Featured speakers include Rafael Vasquez, KBBF host of Lideres del Futuro, community leader and KBBF Board President Alicia Sanchez, Public Defender and poet Bernice Espinoza, and youth activist, Tristyn Thomas.

The event will also include a gallery, and a poster sale of artwork and t-shirts created by Junior Commissioner Rima Makaryan, designed to spread a message of empowerment, hope, and recognition. Makaryan sees Dare to Dream as a digital community rally, encouraging the public to “Join us as we seek justice, make art, and celebrate the immigrants in our community at their time of greatest need.”  Proceeds will benefit the UndocuFund Covid-19 Disaster Relief Fund and Humanidad Therapy and Education Services.

Dare to Dream will release free coloring pages for download to enjoy and hold a live art Zoom session at 3:00pm where the community can learn how to paint and draw monarch butterflies from artist Makaryan, creator of the DREAMER mural and the Monarch Project.  For more information visit the Monarch Project website at www.socoimm.org