Our Story
In late 2019, Jill Turner discovered that many schools in Austin were struggling with inadequate art supplies and teaching budgets. The situation worsened with the onset of the pandemic, leaving students with little more than pens and notebook paper. Recognizing the urgent need for quality art education, Turner took action by collaborating with local educators to create age-appropriate art kits. The first distribution drive-thru took place in May 2020, addressing a critical gap in resources for economically disadvantaged students. Painting Pandas was officially established during this challenging time, driven by the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to express themselves through art, regardless of their background.