Catch Renowned “Speed Painter” at Animals on Broadway

Here are three examples from artist Amy Burkman’s “speed paintings,” from left: “Bella - the Little Red Dog,” “Bulldog,” and “Doodle.” The artist will be appearing at the upcoming Animals on Broadway to benefit ARF. photos: Amy Burkman

As an artist, activist, cancer survivor, and animal lover, Amy Burkman had long known she wanted to create art to help others, but she wasn’t entirely sure how she would do it.

“I’ve always been sensitive to the struggles and hardships of others, especially those who don’t have a voice,” explains Burkman. But how could she use her talent to help?

Inspiration hit after she traveled to West Africa 15 years ago to paint educational murals in local communities. When she returned home, she was introduced to the concept of live art and quickly realized that painting in front of an audience and having the resulting work auctioned off was a great way to raise funds for causes she cared about. Burkman soon began performing live speed painting in support of cancer research, children’s hospitals, and above all, animal welfare groups. 

Speed painting is the live painting of an image on a blank canvas in under 10 minutes. “I can’t think of a better way to help animals,” says Burkman. “I get to create art, I get to make people happy, and I get to raise money for people doing the hard work. I love that I can be a part of that somehow.”

At the upcoming event, Burkman will be speed painting a portrait of Mel, a senior dog available for adoption through Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, at ARF’s Animals on Broadway event in Walnut Creek. Burkman’s painting will be raffled off at the event to support the care and treatment of animals like Mel.

Mel first came to ARF when one of its shelter partners reached out for assistance for this special girl who was experiencing mobility issues. ARF took x-rays that showed she had several instances of spinal disc degeneration. This condition likely put pressure on the spinal cord or a nerve root, causing partial paralysis in Mel’s back legs.

ARF’s team found a unique harness to support Mel’s hips and prevent her from falling while on walks. She began acupuncture treatment on her back to stimulate nerve conduction and address pain. Mel also attended regular hydrotherapy sessions — walking on an underwater treadmill — which helped strengthen her muscles, rebuild stamina, and restore her normal body movements via neuromuscular re-education. 

Thanks to her treatments, Mel has grown stronger and more confident and is now ready to start her new life with a loving family. So when Burkman asked ARF’s team to identify a model for her Animals on Broadway performance, they knew Mel was the perfect pup for the job.

Burkman has traveled the world for the past decade, entertaining audiences with her electric speed painting. Her story of surviving cancer and her passion for helping others fuels her creativity and inspires audiences everywhere. When she started doing speed painting full time, she set a goal to raise $1 million for charities. In 2020, she reached that goal.

Burkman is set to take the stage just after noon for a free performance on Sunday, May 22, 12pm, at Animals on Broadway, 1275 Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek, CA. She’ll be capturing Mel with paint and canvas in just 10 minutes so don’t be late - and definitely don’t miss it! 

For more information about the Animals on Broadway community festival and pet walk, visit ARF’s events page.

About Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation

ARF’s core mission is the rescue of dogs and cats who have run out of time at public shelters, giving them a chance at life until a new home can be found. ARF couples this focus with innovative programs to strengthen the human-animal bond for children, seniors, veterans, and people in disadvantaged circumstances. 

About Amy Burkman

Amy Burkman is a professional live art entertainer, muralist, and commissioned artist, as well as an animal lover, philanthropist, and cancer survivor. Her extensive art background includes works on industrial-scale murals, acrylic paint-on-canvas, street paintings, and faux finish.