ABOUT
Books & Brushes is a Connecticut-based nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring creativity, strengthening literacy, and building community through the transformative power of books and art. Founded in 2026 by Candace Donaldson, owner of Posh Paint, and Jennifer Wilder, founder of the Big Red Book Truck, Books & Brushes was created around a simple but powerful belief:
"Every person is both the author and artist of their own story"
Our mission is to create welcoming, inclusive spaces where people of all ages can discover the joy of reading, explore their creativity, express themselves through art, and build meaningful relationships with others. We believe literacy and the arts are essential tools for personal growth, healing, self-expression, and lifelong learning. By combining storytelling with hands-on creative experiences, we help participants develop confidence, strengthen communication skills, celebrate their identities, and foster deeper connections within their communities.
Books and Brushes provides community-centered programming throughout Connecticut. Our programs intentionally serve children, youth, families, adults, and older adults, creating opportunities for multiple generations to learn, create, and grow together. Each experience is designed to be engaging, culturally responsive, and accessible, ensuring participants of all backgrounds feel welcomed, represented, and inspired.
OUR STORY
While Books and Brushes is a newly established nonprofit organization, it is built upon the founders’ decades of combined experience leading successful community-based arts, literacy, education, and wellness initiatives throughout Greater Hartford and across Connecticut.
Jennifer Wilder launched the Big Red Book Truck in 2021 to increase access to diverse, affordable, and culturally relevant books. Since its launch, the mobile bookstore has served thousands of children and families through school partnerships, literacy nights, library collaborations, neighborhood events, community festivals, and family engagement programs. The Big Red Book Truck has become a trusted community resource dedicated to making books accessible while promoting a lifelong love of reading.
Candace Donaldson has spent more than a decade growing Posh Paint into one of Connecticut’s premier community art organizations. Through paint parties, youth workshops, wellness programs, school partnerships, nonprofit collaborations, and corporate events, she has inspired thousands of participants to embrace creativity as a tool for connection, healing, and personal expression. Her work has demonstrated the power of art to bring communities together while creating joyful and memorable shared experiences.
Collectively, the founders have facilitated more than 400 community events, inspired over 7,500 participants, completed 5,000+ painting experiences, partnered with more than 75 schools, nonprofits, and community organizations, and provided 100+ free community giveback programs throughout Connecticut. These accomplishments reflect a long-standing commitment to equitable access to arts, literacy, and community engagement.
Together, Candace and Jennifer created Books and Brushes to unite their complementary expertise in visual arts and literacy. In 2026, the organization became Artists-in-Residence at the historic Artists Collective in Hartford, where they continue expanding opportunities for residents to experience the power of books, creativity, and community in one shared space. Books and Brushes is uniquely positioned to develop innovative partnerships with schools, libraries, municipalities, neighborhood organizations, businesses, and community leaders. Every program is designed to strengthen literacy, promote social-emotional wellness, celebrate diverse voices, and create opportunities for meaningful community connection.
As the organization continues to grow, Books and Brushes remains committed to its vision of transforming stories into art, art into conversations, and conversations into stronger, more connected communities. Through every book shared, every brushstroke painted, and every relationship built, we strive to ensure that all people—regardless of age or background—have the opportunity to discover, create, and flourish.
EVENTS
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