Artist and skateboarder Hunter Knolmayer is embarking on a three-month, 3,200-mile journey across America, known as The Pushing the Art Project — Painting Across America. The initiative combines skateboarding, daily painting, and fundraising to provide art supplies for children. Knolmayer is skating from his hometown of Point Pleasant, New Jersey, beginning Sept. 8, and will finish in San Diego, California, in December.
What makes this coast-to-coast expedition unique is that throughout the journey, Knolmayer will complete a one-of-a-kind art project. Each day he will create a new acrylic painting, with the process documented for the public to follow online.
“The future belongs to those who create, but not every child has the tools to get there,” Knolmayer said. “Let’s change that — together.”
What began as a personal challenge has developed into something larger. After mapping the logistics of a long-distance skate, Knolmayer realized he wanted the trip to serve a greater purpose. As a lifelong artist, he chose to dedicate the trek to raising money for children’s art supplies.
Knolmayer will travel cross-country by skateboard, creating a new painting every day. Subjects will be inspired by nature, the cities he visits, and viewer input. Prints of each painting will be available, with 100 percent of profits donated to the cause. The project is also raising funds through a GoFundMe campaign, with a combined goal of $1 million.
The Pushing the Art Project emphasizes community involvement. “This is designed to bring people together — teachers and parents, artists and craftsmen, skaters and adventurers,” Knolmayer said.
At the center of the effort is the mission to give children access to creative tools. “As a kid, I was fortunate to have art supplies available,” Knolmayer said. “That allowed me to harness creativity and build a life around the arts. Not all children have that opportunity today, and that’s why we’re setting out to make a difference.”
The project has partnered with San Diego nonprofit Art Reach, which provides free and low-cost art classes for youth and leads community mural projects across the county. To ensure funds can be directed to charities and schools, Knolmayer has also formed the Pushing the Art Foundation.
“This project is more than just a skate across the country,” Knolmayer said. “By combining art, travel, and community support, we can help provide opportunities for kids who want to create.”
Knolmayer has been preparing for months, training, organizing, and building an online presence to raise awareness. “The success of this campaign depends on exposure,” he said. “The more people who see the project, the greater the impact we can make.”
The journey will be documented daily through updates, livestreams, and behind-the-scenes content. New videos will appear on YouTube each day, with shorter clips on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Each stop along the route will be a chance to share the mission, connect with communities, and build support.
By the end of the trip, Knolmayer expects to complete about 90 original paintings. The series will highlight diverse terrains and landscapes encountered along the way — from city skylines to mountains and plains. The full collection will be exhibited at a gallery show and holiday fundraiser in San Diego at the conclusion of the trip. Details on the exhibition will be announced on the Pushing the Art website.
Supporters are invited to join the mission by donating, sharing the story, or following along online. Every act of support helps bring art supplies to children who need them. Together, we can paint a brighter future.
