FlyKickz has become a positive force in the community by turning creativity into connection and purpose. Since 2023, with over two years of unwavering support from the community, grants, and independent funding, FlyKickz has shown what’s possible when passion meets intention. At the heart of it all is Dez—the Owner and Artist—who has used her deep love of art and sneakers not just as self-expression, but as a tool to uplift, create access, and make a lasting difference where it matters most.
Through this journey, Dez has funded and curated two collective art shows that highlighted over 50 different artists and brands, creating a platform for voices and visions to be seen and celebrated. These events weren’t just shows—they were experiences, offering art, music, and food at no cost to attendees, ensuring that creativity remained accessible to everyone. FlyKickz also curated an art show fundraiser, donating 100% of the proceeds to support a fellow artist bravely fighting cancer, proving that community care is more than a value—it’s a practice.
Beyond the gallery walls, FlyKickz has invested directly in the next generation by hosting two all-expense-paid sneaker art workshops for over 40 Trenton youth, giving them hands-on opportunities to explore creativity, confidence, and possibility. In additon, FlyKickz is now receiving bookings to curate,organize and instruct the Youth Sneaker Art Workshop experience in schools!
If you’re looking to bring something creative, inspiring, and truly impactful to your next youth event, now is the perfect time to book FlyKickz. FlyKickz is currently accepting bookings to curate and organize hands-on sneaker art workshop experiencing in schools, designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and show youth how art and culture can open real opportunities. Each workshop is thoughtfully curated to meet students where they are, blending self-expression, storytelling, and sneaker culture into an unforgettable experience. If you’re interested in learning more or bringing this energy to your school or program, feel free to reach out via email,
[email protected] to start the conversation and obtain pricing information.
Video Recap (shot & edited by "Shuttergod")
2025 FlyKickz presents The Art Collective”Community event
The 2nd “FlyKickz presents The Art Collective” On May 16, 2025 was an absolute success! This free community event featured great art, vendors, a DJ and free food for all to enjoy. This unique and immersive art exhibition funded and curated by FlyKickz connected individuals through a love of art, creativity and community. Visual Artists featured in this show had an opportunity to exhibit their art work in a gallery setting at no charge and keep 100% of their sales, in addition their was live painting, DJ, raffles for purchase and 7 great small businesses and brands featured in the pop-up vendor marketplace.
Our goal for this event was to create a memorable experience that uplifts, inspires and instills hope to a thriving community and we are happy to report we successfully accomplished that. This event shined a spotlight on the remarkable artists, creatives, entrepreneurs and small businesses that illustrate the beauty of the visionaries, dreamers, and doers within our community.
Video Recap (shot & edited by "Shuttergod")
(Oct 2024) After 75days of none stop work, with the help of some amazing people who donated money, time and services FlyKickz was able to successfully curate and organize an Art Show Fundraiser to support friend and fellow Trenton artist, Matt Morton "ArtofMatLoc" on his journey back to good health as he continues to conquer Stage 4 Colon Cancer. In less than a month with the help of donations and a grant from Isles, Inc., FlyKickz raised the money needed to curate an experience that would not only be a solo exhibition featuring artwork & products by ArtofMatLoc but all the proceeds from this event were donated to Support Matt. This event exemplied the importance of Community and the true meaning of "It Takes a Village". We united for an event that would INSPIRE, UPLIFT & instill HOPE.
We successfully raised almost $4700 in less than 3hrs, including 12 art pieces sold! Thank you to everyone who was apart of making this event a success!
Video Recap (shot & edited by "Shuttergod")
May 2024 1st FlyKickz presents The Art Collective - Community project
This two-part community project created an opportunity to showcase the talent within the Trenton/Mercer County and provide an innovative creative outlet for the youth through a sneaker inspired art workshop. Our mission was to create a memorable experience that connects art & community, accentuating the beauty of collaboration; representing a perfect fusion of creativity and community outreach.
This idea would later grow to become known as FlyKickz presents THE ART COLLECTIVE. The Art Collective is about uniting a diverse group of artists within the community to collaborate together, creating a space where they can express their individual style, talents and camaraderie. This incredible pop-up exhibition featured art from over 20+ artists, highlighting talent of all ages and skill levels featuring art from residents, aspiring and well-known artists as well as 4 live musical performances from Trenton artists.
This community event was then followed by the largest FlyKickz all expenses paid sneaker inspired art workshop for 30 youth from Dawn of Hope Inc. and The KP Initiative.
Video Recap (shot & edited by Lions's Den Productions)
June 2023 Youth Sneaker Customizing Workshop
It took 131 days but in July 2023, FlyKickz transformed vision into impact by raising $6,000 to launch its first-ever Youth Sneaker Customizing Workshop (YSCW) for youth in the Trenton community. With support from Isles, the I Am Trenton grant, Mercer County Community College’s Fashion Program, and generous sponsors like Wegmans and Walmart, FlyKickz delivered an immersive experience where participants received Nike Air Force 1 sneakers, art supplies, food, and gifted items from local businesses. The workshop created a vibrant, safe space in downtown Trenton where creativity, self-expression, and community came together in a meaningful way.
More than a creative event, YSCW became a powerful catalyst for youth development—building confidence, inspiring new skills, and offering many participants their first hands-on artistic experience. Parents and youth alike praised the workshop for boosting self-esteem, sparking joy, and opening doors to new possibilities. This milestone marks the beginning of FlyKickz’s long-term commitment to creating impactful, annual opportunities for youth, proving that with the right support, creativity can change lives and strengthen communities.
Video Recap (shot & edited by Oscar Castano)
If you believe in the power of giving back and supporting the next generation, we invite you to contribute to FlyKickz and help fund community projects, youth sneaker art workshops, and future initiatives. Contributions can be made via CashApp or Venmo ($FKArtDLR), or PayPal at [email protected]
Please include your name, email, or Instagram handle so we can personally thank you for being part of this mission. Together, we can turn inspiration into action and continue creating meaningful change.