Link to vote for Merrilee!
https://peoplesartist.org/2026/merrilee-cleveland
Thanks to you all we have made it to the Group Finals in this Mega competition! For those of you who are just catching up, this competition is huge! It is sponsored by Johnny Depp and run by a fundraising company called Colossal. For those of you who have so generously cast paid votes for me, I truly believe the Art of Elysium is a worthy cause. I watched a video about the founder of the Art of Elysium, and, to paraphrase, she said that her High School friend was hospitalized for Leukemia and while visiting him in the hospital, he mentioned that there was a kid also suffering with a serious condition, and nobody came to visit him. The Art of Elysium sends artists to visit kids in hospitals, among other programs.
The winner of The People’s Artist will receive $25,000.00, a feature article in Art Forum Magazine and the opportunity to display their work at The Art of Elysium’s Salon in LA.
It’s fair to say that winning this competition would be momentous for any artist. Even if it’s a long shot, I am finding so much value in the journey. It has caused me to post more images of my work, engage more with friends, family, collectors and supporters. I am so grateful for those who have been actively along my side in this journey. Thank you all!
This Thursday, June 11 Only the #1 Artist in each Group will move forward to the QuarterFinals!
https://peoplesartist.org/2026/merrilee-cleveland
Click link above to vote for Merrilee Cleveland