The Jeffrey Marshall Arts Foundation was founded in 2014 when Mary Lou Elliott, a musical therapist and musician, was in Denver for a conference. While listening to music in one of Denver's oldest blues bars, she introduced herself to Jeffrey Marshall, a musician and filmmaker, who was in town performing that evening. At their first introduction they instantly developed a genuine connection when discussing the positive influence that art and expression can have on an individual's mental and physical health. After six months of staying in contact from opposite sides of the globe, Mary Lou invited Jeffrey to California to perform a 10 day tour of the bay area. Due to the success of the tour as well as their mutual desired interest in servicing their community,  Jeffrey and Mary Lou would begin forming what would grow into the Jeffrey Marshall Arts Foundation.