If you read my last post, you already know a little bit of what inspired me to start this business (if you haven’t, scroll down, it’s right below!). With the 3rd annual Art Market coming up, I thought I share another important piece of Thrive’s story: this amazing event! Three and a half reasons why Art Market is great: 1. Kids get to create and sell their art 2. Other people get to buy that art 3. 10 percent of all sales go to ACTs 3.5 I helped create it :) Ok, so I might be a little biased. But even so, I bet I can still convince you that this is a pretty great idea. My friends and I had the idea for Art Market in 7th grade. In previous years, our school had held its own “Art Prize” where kids could submit an art project, and their peers would vote for a 250$ winner. This was a wonderful event and I’m really glad our school had it, but it did have some frustrations. First of all, because students were voting, the votes didn’t necessarily go to the best art project. Second, only a few people could win. You could spend a ton of time on your project, but not earn anything. Out of these things, the idea for Art Market was formed. When I shared my idea with my friends, I didn’t think it would actually happen, so when my friend Ellie said, “let’s do it” I was like “what!?” But we did do it. Ellie, Mackenzie, and I talked to our art teacher, and then to the principle, and things just kept going from there. We stayed in from recess to make posters and organize spreadsheets. We had an assembly and spoke over the announcements multiple times. We sent out flyers and emails. This was our vision: to give kids a place where they could share and make a profit from their art. It turns out, the kids liked the idea too. When we sent out sign up forms, they came right back in and soon we had over 40 kids ready to participate in this event! On March 3, all of our dreams came true. Our idea had become a reality! First, our artists showed up, carrying in their beautiful creations. We had kids making magnets, baked goods, stuffed animals, jewelry, candles, and more! I was very impressed. Our artists had put in a lot of work, and you could tell. The things they created weren’t just good for kids, they were actually good! These were things that adults would and did want to buy. Every kid made a least 20 dollars. Several made over 100! It was so fun to look around the Eagle Crest gym and see customers and artists talking, exchanging, and just having a good time. Just a few of our artists We were also able to have some representatives of ACTs come so that people could see what some of their money was going towards. For those of you that don’t know, ACTs is a non-profit organization that works to support at-risk kids in this area. They create a sort of family where kids can come and be safe and accepted. One of the ways they do this is through art! Through this event, we raised $509 which they were able to use to buy supplies for their new house. Check out their website: http://www.actsholland.com/ We had such a good turn out, that we decided to do this event again next year! We recognized that this would be our last year at EC, so we added some people to our team and trained some younger students so that they would be prepared to run it after we were gone. Art Market gave me a little taste of what it would be like to have my own business. It is really what lead me to create Thrive. This year, I will be returning as an EC alumnus to sell my art. I would love you have you come to check out my art and see what this event is all about. This event is totally free and open to the public, so if you just wanted to come to browse, that is great. However, I would suggest bringing some cash in case something catches your eye. This year, it is on Saturday, April 13 from 9-12, in the Eagle Crest Charter Academy gym. See you there!
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Megan KamperHi! I am the creator of Thrive Living Art! I love to learn about how to help plants thrive, and then combine that knowledge with my creativity to make living art! On my blog, you'll learn more about taking care of succulents and other plants. You'll also find out what Thrive is up to, and where I'll be selling my art next! Buy your creation in person!Archives
December 2020
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