Julia, a two-and-half year old paints while Johnny Murphy, I Dream of Johnny, looks on. Her painting was photographed and could be turned into wearable art.

ArtBeast children's studio partnered with Sacramento based online retailer Retail Therapy and Johnny Murphy I Dream of Johnny   for an afternoon event, "Where Art meets Fashion", as a fundraiser for the Tubman House, a nonprofit organization serving young homeless parents and their children.

It was like a big art party full of paints, colored pens and a large canvas wall.

Murphy demonstrated how he has turned art into fashion and worked with children individually to share his vision-turned-clothing.

This young artist wears an "I Dream of Johnny" shirt with a tie.

Murphy, a photographer of actors and models, transitioned from photography into art. 

"I really like photography and the manipulation used in photoshop to make real art from things," he explains.

Art turned into fashion when "I thought it may look good as wearable art, so I tried it out on t-shirts. Then, I started heat pressing onto fabric and hand stitching it onto different colored shirts. People really liked the hand made look."

His friends encouraged him to share his creativity.

A child's shirt with Murphy's wearable art.

"I would make gifts for them and they said, why not share with everyone?", he said.

Bikini art on a baby's outfit.

His ‘dream’ for I Dream of Johnny” is to implement his business with charities and non-profit events to give to deserving organizations.

He says his clothes are for kids of all ages because really, they’re for the kid in all of us.

"I like seeing the excitement in kids eyes. I think they get a lot of enjoyment out of what I do,"  Murphy explains. "I want to create an upbeat child-friendly vibe. It’s also a representation of myself."

Art Therapy is a great idea and is the direction he's heading.

"I want to teach and encourage kids to implement art work and fundraising at the same time. I really look forward to this," he says.

Murphy says that too many communities are losing their art programs. To have kids express themselves through art is so important.

"It helps to expand a child’s mind. Allowing them to create their own wearable art promotes their artistic side," he said.

Retail Therapy markets a unique on- and offline buying experience with a cutting edge ensemble of fine clothing and accessories. 

Murphy wears a photo of a race car he turned into wearable art.

Murphy may be reached: (310)745-2925

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner