A Home For The Creative
Donation protected
Hello! Thank you for taking the time to read my story. My name is Christina Leigh Pritchard and I am an author. I was given the most amazing opportunity and want to pay it forward.
There is this fantastic group of people in Lake Worth, Florida. The Neighborhood Renaissance , The CRA , and of course Palm Beach County itself. With their help, I was blessed to become the proud owner of a townhouse that has it's very own working studio/store-front! I am now living directly across the street from the Hatch Gallery , five minutes from the artsy downtown, and surrounded by art lofts owned by creatives! As I write this, tears are coming to my eyes. It's the greatest gift, and I cannot thank the people who helped me get here enough.
I chose the handicapped unit, which is perfect for my current writing project . I am dedicated to writing and interviewing persons with disabilities, learning their positive stories of how they overcame the odds.
Telling these stories is very important to me and now I have a space to do this in. Before my studio, I had to meet at restaurants, bowling alleys, etc. It was very loud and distracting. Now, I can set up an interview area in the loft and they can feel relaxed while telling their stories.
Every good gift should be shared with those who need help too. I would like to use my space to help up and coming artists who, like me, do not have the start-up capital needed to succeed on their own.
Besides needing money for becoming incorporated, a 501c3 non-profit organization, the insurance (to protect the artist's property), the extra utility bills, advertising, and legal assistance, I'd be truly grateful to anyone willing to help us out with building a store-front. Please check out the videos and photos below of our beginning so far.
I want to give back to the community that has given me so much. Right now, most galleries charge fees to display work. There is no longer an art curator in every gallery actively promoting the artist's work. For someone who is well established, this is not so bad. For those who do not have $250+ extra per month to pay for wall space, and either pay someone or conduct their own marketing, this setup does not work. I want to give back, but I need your help. So far, I've created a little alcove, (cabinet donated, and I painted it! Super proud of it, hehe), a donated fridge, thanks to my Mom, I purchased and put flooring down with the help of fellow artists, and someone helped purchase the paint needed for the store-front. He even PAINTED it for us! I still can't believe it!
I hope after reading our mission statement below and checking out our journey so far, you'll be able to help in any way you can: knowledge on 501c3, on any of the below goals/wish list items, the right insurance, helpful links to personal grants that we can help the artists fill out to assist them on their journey (anything that you think could help) and maybe even work with us too!
Our Mission and Plan of Action
Who Are We?
A Home for The Creative, founded 2009, by Ember Ross and Christina Leigh Pritchard, started after a friend of Pritchard’s invited her to a gathering of “artists”. The friend, Prescott, wanted talented folks to join forces monthly to collaborate and support one another.
A great idea that needed to become a reality.
On the day of Prescott’s Song Release Party, held at Nate Gahul’s Art Studio in West Palm Beach, Florida, Pritchard saw many incredibly talented individuals. Nate, a contestant on HGTV’s Design Star Series, had created a studio showcasing many local artists. This was the first time Pritchard saw such a place!
Soon after, Pritchard and Ross started an online radio show and e-zine, showcasing talented folks they met or discovered, including some of the artists Pritchard met that first night.
What Are My Goals?
To create a home for all sorts of artists. A place they can showcase themselves, connect with others, build their brand, and be given an opportunity to gain feedback from others.
I would like to surround myself with what I love, and watch as we all flourish, doing what warms our souls.
There will be a reading nook, with books by the founder, as well as others. Please feel free to sit, read, and purchase from tablets in the store. In addition, a website will be available for all patrons showcasing each artist along with a virtual shop site.
What Sort of Art/Artists?
Artists, all sorts.
Dancers and Musicians
Jewelry Designers
All Things Crafty: Realistic Dolls, Hot Agave, etc. Sculptors Authors, Poets & many others!
Virtual Website & Store-Front
The first thing I plan to do is create a window decal and banner. It will be for A HOME FOR THE CREATIVE and for my books. I will then invite a minimum of five artists to join me in filling the space with art. Their names and contact information will go online in our website and will be displayed on the studio windows with decals of their own. Tablets will be a way of purchasing items when the artist is not present. Next, I’d like to host an event. At this event, attendees may sign up for different classes, so the artists can obtain feedback.
Main Objectives
The two main objectives of a physical store would be to: (1) create a warm and welcoming environment for several artists to feel inspired, and (2) offer a space for the community to see their work.
Future Goals
Classes
Teaching others about your craft can reignite the spark that first took flame inside your heart. It develops appreciation for the arts in others and ensures the next generation of creatives have a starting point to begin their own journey.
Events
Each month, at least one event will take place to showcase an artist. We’d like to meet our neighbors and the art buildings nearby. It would be great to join forces on these nights so that others may show what they’ve accomplished, too.
Working Space
☐ Add in a coffee/tea and snack area for guests. DONE! :)
☐ 2 for 1: crafts for kids while parents paint wine glasses or chill.
☐ Dance lessons.
☐ Wash sink for art classes.
☐ Karaoke! & voice and music lessons.
☐ A small stage made of pallets for performances.
☐ Children’s “Create A Fantasy World” Class.
☐ A mobile display stand that can hold more art when the studio is not being used for events or classes.
☐ An artist can have their own small Paint and Sip, private painting classes, and couples classes.
☐ Crafts: jewelry, calligraphy, hot agave, etc.
☐ Groups meeting for book clubs, music, art, etc.
☐ Window decals, display frames, and a banner.
☐ Website and QR codes for decals and banner
☐ Install flooring, add furniture & display items. PARTIALLY DONE!
☐ Collect photos of artworks and set up online artists’ pages and store.
☐Conduct Meeting with initial chosen artists. Create a game plan.
☐ Set up accounts for events, like Eventbrite, for example.
☐ Decorate Studio with Art, displaying their contact info.
At First Event
☐ Set up the tablets and connect to virtual store.
☐ Photo opportunity to launch site.
☐ Add an outside display box with flyers for passersby to take with them when we are not open.
☐ Collect emails for newsletter and have area to sign up for a list of classes.
☐ Prepare for first event. Each artist must attend and watch their display area.
☐ Try to include the artists around us and meet my neighbors.
☐ At event, offer a list of classes from artists at very discounted rates.
☐ Do a contest drawing, giving a free ticket for each item purchased that night.
☐ Use these classes to take photos, ask questions on service, etc.
☐ Do a live recording of event via social media.
GARAGE SPACE
☐ Paint the floor suitable for painters and performances.
☐ Use for movie nights to display indie films or graphics by those local to the area.
☐ More space for larger artist openings or events.
☐ Insulate and purchase a portable air-conditioning unit
Personal Projects for first year:
November: launch of first classes (test run on the weekends) & hold at least 1 event for an artist.
December/January: start interviewing the Special Olympic volunteers, and host at least 2 events.
February/March: Quarterly physical and e-zine of all displayed artists—first issue, and host at least 1 event.
April/May: begin classes and calendar regularity (this will include events).
June: book release event
July/August: I will be writing but business will be as usual for all artists.
Finally, nearly ready for artists! :)
There is this fantastic group of people in Lake Worth, Florida. The Neighborhood Renaissance , The CRA , and of course Palm Beach County itself. With their help, I was blessed to become the proud owner of a townhouse that has it's very own working studio/store-front! I am now living directly across the street from the Hatch Gallery , five minutes from the artsy downtown, and surrounded by art lofts owned by creatives! As I write this, tears are coming to my eyes. It's the greatest gift, and I cannot thank the people who helped me get here enough.
I chose the handicapped unit, which is perfect for my current writing project . I am dedicated to writing and interviewing persons with disabilities, learning their positive stories of how they overcame the odds.
Telling these stories is very important to me and now I have a space to do this in. Before my studio, I had to meet at restaurants, bowling alleys, etc. It was very loud and distracting. Now, I can set up an interview area in the loft and they can feel relaxed while telling their stories.
Every good gift should be shared with those who need help too. I would like to use my space to help up and coming artists who, like me, do not have the start-up capital needed to succeed on their own.
Besides needing money for becoming incorporated, a 501c3 non-profit organization, the insurance (to protect the artist's property), the extra utility bills, advertising, and legal assistance, I'd be truly grateful to anyone willing to help us out with building a store-front. Please check out the videos and photos below of our beginning so far.
I want to give back to the community that has given me so much. Right now, most galleries charge fees to display work. There is no longer an art curator in every gallery actively promoting the artist's work. For someone who is well established, this is not so bad. For those who do not have $250+ extra per month to pay for wall space, and either pay someone or conduct their own marketing, this setup does not work. I want to give back, but I need your help. So far, I've created a little alcove, (cabinet donated, and I painted it! Super proud of it, hehe), a donated fridge, thanks to my Mom, I purchased and put flooring down with the help of fellow artists, and someone helped purchase the paint needed for the store-front. He even PAINTED it for us! I still can't believe it!
I hope after reading our mission statement below and checking out our journey so far, you'll be able to help in any way you can: knowledge on 501c3, on any of the below goals/wish list items, the right insurance, helpful links to personal grants that we can help the artists fill out to assist them on their journey (anything that you think could help) and maybe even work with us too!
Our Mission and Plan of Action
Who Are We?
A Home for The Creative, founded 2009, by Ember Ross and Christina Leigh Pritchard, started after a friend of Pritchard’s invited her to a gathering of “artists”. The friend, Prescott, wanted talented folks to join forces monthly to collaborate and support one another.
A great idea that needed to become a reality.
On the day of Prescott’s Song Release Party, held at Nate Gahul’s Art Studio in West Palm Beach, Florida, Pritchard saw many incredibly talented individuals. Nate, a contestant on HGTV’s Design Star Series, had created a studio showcasing many local artists. This was the first time Pritchard saw such a place!
Soon after, Pritchard and Ross started an online radio show and e-zine, showcasing talented folks they met or discovered, including some of the artists Pritchard met that first night.
What Are My Goals?
To create a home for all sorts of artists. A place they can showcase themselves, connect with others, build their brand, and be given an opportunity to gain feedback from others.
I would like to surround myself with what I love, and watch as we all flourish, doing what warms our souls.
There will be a reading nook, with books by the founder, as well as others. Please feel free to sit, read, and purchase from tablets in the store. In addition, a website will be available for all patrons showcasing each artist along with a virtual shop site.
What Sort of Art/Artists?
Artists, all sorts.
Dancers and Musicians
Jewelry Designers
All Things Crafty: Realistic Dolls, Hot Agave, etc. Sculptors Authors, Poets & many others!
Virtual Website & Store-Front
The first thing I plan to do is create a window decal and banner. It will be for A HOME FOR THE CREATIVE and for my books. I will then invite a minimum of five artists to join me in filling the space with art. Their names and contact information will go online in our website and will be displayed on the studio windows with decals of their own. Tablets will be a way of purchasing items when the artist is not present. Next, I’d like to host an event. At this event, attendees may sign up for different classes, so the artists can obtain feedback.
Main Objectives
The two main objectives of a physical store would be to: (1) create a warm and welcoming environment for several artists to feel inspired, and (2) offer a space for the community to see their work.
Future Goals
Classes
Teaching others about your craft can reignite the spark that first took flame inside your heart. It develops appreciation for the arts in others and ensures the next generation of creatives have a starting point to begin their own journey.
Events
Each month, at least one event will take place to showcase an artist. We’d like to meet our neighbors and the art buildings nearby. It would be great to join forces on these nights so that others may show what they’ve accomplished, too.
Working Space
☐ Add in a coffee/tea and snack area for guests. DONE! :)
☐ 2 for 1: crafts for kids while parents paint wine glasses or chill.
☐ Dance lessons.
☐ Wash sink for art classes.
☐ Karaoke! & voice and music lessons.
☐ A small stage made of pallets for performances.
☐ Children’s “Create A Fantasy World” Class.
☐ A mobile display stand that can hold more art when the studio is not being used for events or classes.
☐ An artist can have their own small Paint and Sip, private painting classes, and couples classes.
☐ Crafts: jewelry, calligraphy, hot agave, etc.
☐ Groups meeting for book clubs, music, art, etc.
☐ Window decals, display frames, and a banner.
☐ Website and QR codes for decals and banner
☐ Install flooring, add furniture & display items. PARTIALLY DONE!
☐ Collect photos of artworks and set up online artists’ pages and store.
☐Conduct Meeting with initial chosen artists. Create a game plan.
☐ Set up accounts for events, like Eventbrite, for example.
☐ Decorate Studio with Art, displaying their contact info.
At First Event
☐ Set up the tablets and connect to virtual store.
☐ Photo opportunity to launch site.
☐ Add an outside display box with flyers for passersby to take with them when we are not open.
☐ Collect emails for newsletter and have area to sign up for a list of classes.
☐ Prepare for first event. Each artist must attend and watch their display area.
☐ Try to include the artists around us and meet my neighbors.
☐ At event, offer a list of classes from artists at very discounted rates.
☐ Do a contest drawing, giving a free ticket for each item purchased that night.
☐ Use these classes to take photos, ask questions on service, etc.
☐ Do a live recording of event via social media.
GARAGE SPACE
☐ Paint the floor suitable for painters and performances.
☐ Use for movie nights to display indie films or graphics by those local to the area.
☐ More space for larger artist openings or events.
☐ Insulate and purchase a portable air-conditioning unit
Personal Projects for first year:
November: launch of first classes (test run on the weekends) & hold at least 1 event for an artist.
December/January: start interviewing the Special Olympic volunteers, and host at least 2 events.
February/March: Quarterly physical and e-zine of all displayed artists—first issue, and host at least 1 event.
April/May: begin classes and calendar regularity (this will include events).
June: book release event
July/August: I will be writing but business will be as usual for all artists.
Finally, nearly ready for artists! :)
Organizer
Christina Pritchard
Organizer
Lake Worth, FL
