ART & LOVE IN ACTION
Uniting Artists & Hearts to Support Children with Cancer in Cuba
Art & Love In Action is a grassroots initiative that brings together artists and communities to support children in Cuba living with cancer.
Through annual art auctions, we transform creativity into compassion — with 100% of proceeds directly benefiting these brave young fighters and their families.
This beautiful movement was born from a simple whisper. One day, Mother Teresa of Calcutta leaned close to Carmen Vallejo and said, “Love the children.” That moment became a lifelong mission.
About Our Auctions
One of the most powerful ways we support Carmen and Rey’s Kids is through our in-person and online Art & Love In Action auctions.
These events raise critical funds for their life-affirming work across the island of Cuba.
The history of these auctions is a story of creativity, generosity, and international solidarity. It began in 2008, when the British, Czech, and U.S. Embassies in Havana joined forces to host annual art auctions to support the children. When the U.S. Embassy reduced its staffing in 2017, the event became difficult to sustain in Cuba.
Then in February 2020, just before the world shut down, a group of dedicated supporters hosted an auction of original Cuban art in Jacksonville, Florida. In September 2024, another successful auction followed — once again bringing critical support to the children.
These events have raised life-saving funds, helping sustain families through the COVID-19 pandemic and Cuba’s most challenging economic crisis in decades.
A Legacy of Artistic Generosity
For over 20 years, Carmen and Rey have cultivated a vibrant network of Cuban artists who continue to donate original works to support this cause.
Auction participants have bid on pieces from celebrated Cuban artists such as:
Pedro Pablo Oliva, Alicia de la Campa, Rafael Alonso, Alan Manuel, Enrique Daussa, Carlos del Toro, and José Vincench — to name just a few.
Dozens more have given generously from their studios and their hearts.
