Meet Haley Fonfa of Brett Fonfa Foundation

Today we’d like to introduce you to Haley Fonfa

Hi Haley, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m Haley Fonfa, born February 7, 1997. Originally from Las Vegas, I moved to Los Angeles, where I discovered my passion for the visual arts in 2015, when art became been central to my life. Soon with this newfound appreciation, I began gathering with groups of creatives across the city; months later I had formulated the launch of a collective of all-women artists, named Bellatrix. Though that group fell apart quickly in 2017, it served as a foundational project for many of her future endeavors in curation, where I have become known for a strong focus on giving underrepresented groups a platform. After the collective fell out over a lack of member coordination, I began to draft plans for a new exhibit based upon the same principle: “15 artists, all women, and maybe a couple of musical artists.” Everything I do is under the notion that not only women, but marginalized voices, and all communities that didn’t feel like they had a safe space in the art world would have one.

In February 2018, I hosted my first exhibition through my business also community organization known as ARTFONFA showcasing 15 different women creatives from photographer to painter, musician to dancer with 200 people in attendance. One month later just weeks before my women’s history month show, my big brother Brett, one of the biggest supporters of my work, passed suddenly and unexpectedly deeply influencing not only my work but my motivation to expand arts accessibility and healing for others. Throughout 2018 and 2019 I hosted 12 shows total with our biggest show “All That 90s” totaling a record breaking 20,000 RSVPs (what a time pre-covid).

As 2020 began, I had plans for our 3rd annual HERstory women’s history month show which unfortunately came to a halt with the rest of the world when the pandemic struck. While on break finally have some time mourn my brother’s death, I was met with another loss; my father died in July 2020. Their losses motivated me all the more to create safe spaces for creation, art has time and time again proven to me to be the biggest form of healing.After some time, 2022 came around and it was safe to join together again.

My first show as the pandemic was winding down was a hit, tallying roughly 3000 visitors entering the space throughout opening night. Late in 2022 transitioned into BFF, Brett Fonfa Foundation (BFF), a 501(c)3 non-profit arts organization established in honor of my late brother, Brett. which now organizes exhibitions, workshops, and mentorship programs for emerging artists. BFF’s mission is to provide resources, art therapy, and opportunities for artists from all walks of life, enriching communities and helping individuals express their creativity. My belief in the transformative power of art is central to the foundation’s work—art isn’t just about personal expression, but also about creating a broader positive impact.

In 2023, BFF began partnership with Rhimes Performing Arts Center, home of the Debbie Allen Dance Academy. HERstory is now produced by Debbie Allen and Shonda Rhimes. The Debbie Allen Dance Academy is thrilled to present a month-long series of events in honor of Women’s History Month. Showcasing a rich collection spanning fine arts, film, music, dance, and fashion, HERstory transcends perspectives. This celebration documents the diversity of heritage that parallels identity, femininity, and the connection between our inner and outer worlds.

In 2024, BFF introduced new school programs at Pasadena High School: Visual Arts and Design Academy, designed to provide students with exposure to the varied and challenging careers in the visual arts. In addition to Summit View School, a college preparatory program to students with learning differences who possess average to above average intellectual capabilities based in Culver City. BFF also acquired our first name plate in Lowman Concert Hall at Idyllwild Arts Academy, the incredibly magical arts boarding school that fostered and further inspired Brett’s passion for creative writing. For the past 5 years, BFF Writing Award has been gifted at the Adelson Educational Campus in Las Vegas.
BFF hosted Over 100 artists of all forms to showcase at two all inclusive art festivals including HERstory, our annual Women’s History Month initiative in partnership with Debbie Allen and Shonda Rhimes in addition to PURE Imagination: Dreams to Reality Arts Festival.This year’s special events include “Sister Sitcoms & Cinema: Pre Oscar Party & Featured Film Screening,” “Women In Art: Cultural Alchemy Panel,” “Men Who Love Women Panel” and “Nothin Like A Mother’s Love: Mothers & Daughters Luncheon.”

Over the years through ARTFONFA & BFF I have provided opportunities for hundreds of artists across the U.S.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There are always challenges in life but believing in something wholeheartedly leading with love and gratitude can always help overcome any struggles. The biggest challenges I have come across relate to finding a balance, consistency, and resilience when things get overwhelming. Beginning my journey there were difficulties in finding artists to showcase, a true community to relate to but once it began to flow it was like a beautiful waterfall. As the journey continued and the spaces grow from 20 artists to 100 artists, from 1000sqft to 20000 sqft, more challenges arise from a digestive curation to handling so many different personalities. Creating a strong and reliable team proves to be a huge part of ensuring an organization runs much more smoothly.

Being an artist and having to learn the business side of a non profit continues to be a learning lesson for me everyday, placing myself outside of my comfort zone has exposed me in ways I didn’t think was possible. I have begun to find the greatest comfort in reaching out to mentors and folks who have perhaps been in my position before to learn from example and experience.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Brett Fonfa Foundation?
In memory of our beloved big brother and friend Brett Fonfa, the Brett Fonfa Foundation (BFF) became an official 501(c)(3)
nonprofit in 2022, dedicated to expanding access to and understanding of the healing and educational benefits of the arts and humanities through programs and resources for artists of all ages.

At BFF we firmly believe the importance of expressing and creating art, art education, and the healing aspects of art
are inexplicable in the influence and growth of one’s spirit. Everyone and anyone should be able to receive the gifts that
come with expressing our own gifts. Art teaches discipline and patience, boosts self confidence and morale, challenges and influences and most of all enriches the lives of not only the person creating but everyone around them. From outward expression to the most inner thoughts, art is the reason.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My biggest advice is to remember how important your environment is and how importantt your circle is when it comes to reaching out for help.. our organization is lucky enough to be surrounded and supported by an incredible group of Board of Directors that all not only have wonderful careers and connections in their respective industries but also have close relations and long-lasting friendships to my big brother Bretty. Our small internal team also connected with numerous college, local schools and neighboring community organizations with like-minded missions for further advice, questions and mentoring.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thisisthebff.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/thisisthebff
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/thisisthebff
• Twitter: https://x.com/thisisthebff

Image Credits
Photography by Kierstyn Stevens, Anthony Roberson, Dots Eye, Jamie Lendrum, and Alondra Mendez.