Art Program Opens New Doors for Long Island Youth

Artistic Dreams International founder Lillian Alonzo is preparing to expand the nonprofit she built from the ground up to eastern Long Island, bringing its arts-based programs to children and young adults who often have limited access to enrichment opportunities.

Alonzo worked as a fundraiser before deciding 15 years ago to create her own organization. She used her savings to launch Artistic Dreams, eventually securing funding and hiring staff as the program grew.

Today, Artistic Dreams operates virtually, with its team working from home while training and supporting teaching artists. The organization has 10 teachers in New York City and 10 in Mexico and is working to expand its reach.

Alonzo’s own connection to art began at age eight through a public-school program in Dayton, Ohio. After her family returned to Mexico, art disappeared from her life. At 36, she returned to study fine arts at Hunter College and rediscovered what she described as her true path — an experience that inspired Artistic Dreams.

The organization has since served more than 7,000 young people across New York, Arizona and Mexico, working in public schools and urban, rural, Indigenous, migrant and homeless communities. Its philosophy is that art can help young people discover who they are and develop confidence in what they can become.

Long Island is now a major focus. Artistic Dreams is developing relationships with organizations serving Indigenous communities, immigrant families and autistic young adults, including OLA of Eastern Long Island and Luv Michael. Alonzo is also working with Bianca Collins, co-founder of the Metoac Indigenous Collective, and exploring collaboration with the Shinnecock Indian Nation.

The goal is to reach more disadvantaged children and young adults through partnerships already rooted in their communities.

“We help young people discover who they are,” Alonzo said. Once they do, she believes, they can begin believing in who they can become.