Artsy Cartsy: A Creative Project

Coming soon with your help!

I am developing the idea of "Artsy Cartsy" (thank you to my partner Kris for the name). Artsy Cartsy is a portable arts studio that specializes in process-based art-making using art supplies and recycled material. My love for this form of art-making stemmed from my first introduction to Virginia Myer's teachings when I first became involved at Living Arts of Tulsa in 2010.

After the closure of ahha Tulsa, I wanted to give Tulsa a outlet that empowers people of all ages through creativity. Artsy Cartsy will be available for hire for events and will have various price points for different art activities. There will also be activities tailored to age groups, such as toddlers, kids, teens, adults and older persons. I am also focusing on under-served areas of Tulsa County, as I have been working with these areas for the majority of my career in arts administration.

This will also lead to an eventual brick-and-mortar business, which I am also accounting for in this fundraiser.

Raising money for:

-a trailer to carry around Artsy Cartsy

-Various art supplies such as paint, scissors, glue, and much more

-Waiving my fee to go out to under-served communities

-Building the cart itself

-Storage space for Artsy Cartsy and Supplies

The philosophy of "Artsy Cartsy" is as follows:

My core belief is that everyone is creative. Never doubt your creativity. Get bored, play, don't focus on the end product. It's about the process. If you just let yourself get creative and play, then you will surprise yourself. Doing this is essential to mental health- you will benefit greatly in your everyday life if you take the time to play.

I am raising money to pay for supplies such as paint and various crafts, as well as the cart itself, which is being built by the talented Brandon Holder. I am also raising funds for the "brick-and-mortar" portion. such as property rental and bills, purchase of art materials, tools, furniture, etc. I also want to be able to also give a scholarship-based option sponsored by locals to take Artsy Cartsy into lower-income areas, with no cost to the people who participate in Artsy Cartsy activities. I am also raising money for an eventual brick-and-mortar education space that I hope to open after Artsy Cartsy launches.

Mery McNett is a Tulsa-based multimedia artist/animator and a graduate of the University of Tulsa where she studied painting under artist Mark Lewis. She has worked in the Tulsa Arts scene for over 13 years, creating graphic visuals, arts programming and teaching various forms of art at institutions such as Living Arts, ahha Tulsa, and Gilcrease Museum. Through her work in the arts scene, she has gained extensive experience with process artmaking. She has had work shown throughout Oklahoma and other areas. Her work consists of various media, including sculpture, ink, watercolor, oil paintings, video art, etc.

(Emily Simonds’ art camp this summer was a blast! This is the result of creative play with materials)

Project Overview:

Artsy Cartsy is a creative concept that brings the concept process-based art making directly to communities, schools, parks, events, and more. Artsy Cartsy is a portable arts studio designed to inspire and encourage creativity through process art, focusing on the journey of creation rather than the end product. This project aims to foster imagination, self-expression, and collaborative learning by offering accessible and engaging art experiences in diverse settings.

Project Objectives:

Promoting Process Art: Artsy Cartsy is dedicated to shifting the focus from final outcomes to the joy of artistic exploration. By providing accessible art materials and prompts, I aim to encourage individuals to experiment, play, and express themselves freely.

Engaging Communities: I will seek to bridge the gap between art and communities by bringing the arts studio directly to people. Artsy Cartsy will pop up at various locations, making creative experiences available to a wide range of individuals, regardless of their age and artistic background.

Fostering Inclusivity: Process art is inherently inclusive, as it values personal expression over technical skill. Artsy Cartsy will create an environment where everyone can participate, fostering a sense of belonging and self-confidence among participants.

Encouraging Collaboration: The mobility of Artsy Cartsy allows us to host group activities, workshops, and collaborative projects. By engaging in shared creative experiences, participants can learn from one another, build connections, and collectively generate unique artistic expressions.

Key Components: Mobile Art Cart: Artsy Cartsy will be equipped with a wide variety of art supplies, such as paints, markers, papers, textiles, and unconventional materials. The cart will be designed for easy transportation and setup, making it adaptable to any location.

Interactive Workstations: The cart will feature interactive workstations where participants can engage in various process art activities. From painting and sculpture to multimedia collage, these stations will cater to different artistic preferences and ages.

Guided Facilitation: A trained art facilitator will be present at Artsy Cartsy events to guide participants through the creative process, offering prompts, ideas, and inspiration while promoting a non-judgmental atmosphere.

Community Collaborations: Artsy Cartsy will partner with local organizations, schools, festivals, and community centers to bring process art experiences to diverse audiences. Collaborative projects will encourage cross-cultural interactions and shared creativity.

Impact and Sustainability:

The impact of Artsy Cartsy goes beyond art-making; it promotes cognitive development, self-esteem, and a sense of achievement. By fostering a love for the creative process, I hope to inspire individuals to continue exploring art beyond our events.

To ensure the sustainability of the project, I plan to explore funding through grants, sponsorships, and partnerships with educational institutions. I will also use recyclable materials in the artmaking, making most supplies sustainable. Artsy Cartsy will also offer fee-based workshops and events to generate revenue and support ongoing operations.

Conclusion:

Artsy Cartsy is not just a portable arts studio; it's a movement that celebrates the beauty of the artistic journey. By bringing process-based art experiences to communities and beyond, I aim to ignite a spark of creativity that continues to burn brightly long after the art supplies have been put away. Artsy Carsty will redefine the way art is experienced and cherished—a journey where every brushstroke, every splash of color, and every moment of creation becomes a testament to the limitless power of imagination.