An annual event took on a new name and leadership this year. Brushfest at Syracuse Nationals brought artists and nonprofit together, painting line after line, until they have a pinstripe masterpiece. Artists at Brushfest created work to be auctioned off, with proceeds going to the Ronald McDonald House.

“We’re super grateful, because that money directly impacts the day to day operations at the Ronald McDonald House,” said Jennifer Leitgeb, with Ronald McDonald House of Central New York.

What You Need To Know

  • This year the organizers and name are different, but artists are still donating their skills

  • More than $41,000 was raised this weekend at the Syracuse Nationals

  • Pinstripe art was auctioned off piece by piece for three days

It was Ricky Mejak’s dream to paint for Syracuse’s Brushfest.

“For a long time I spent many nights all the way up until 3, 4 o’clock in the morning as a kid practicing,” said Mejak. “This is my world man, it makes me happy.”

Ricky said painting is relaxing, and he loves the creative freedom the craft brings, and how it helps put his life on the right track.

“For a long time I struggled with mental health,” Mejak said. “Chose, we’ll just say, things that weren’t good for ya, but this is one of those things that steered me away from it.”

Artists travel from near and far donating their time and money to make the fundraiser happen.

“[Being] here, it gives me purpose to create,” said David Wyeth.

“It means a lot more to me to make people smile than to make money for myself,” Mejak said.

Organizers are hoping to make Brushfest happen once again next year at the Syracuse Nationals. This year’s event raised more​ than $41,000 for Ronald McDonald House.