Brush Box is a therapeutic arts company focusing on engaging individuals of all ability levels, ages, and demographics. Founded by an art therapist , each program is developed mindfully based on the populations needs.
What started with a dream to engage community members through artistic expression during a time of separation. Has developed into a multifaceted company that has worked with hundreds of community members, organizations, schools, museums, and more.
Check out our feature on Milwaukee PBS arts page to get a quick overview of our company!
Who are the founders?
Amber Thomas and Kadijiha Jones met at Alverno College while both were resident advisors. In college, they enjoyed creating artistic advertisements and cultivating community based groups for their residents.
This love for program development has grown into creating an expressive arts community that runs programming and sells products throughout Wisconsin and Illinois. We are excited to expand our reach through focused marketing and scaling efforts.
We have great news!!!!!
Our business is growing! Scaling is no easy feat and we are looking to our community to help support our goals. It is our hope that with you we will be able to open our very first brick and mortar store! We are anticipating opening in Glendale, on Green Bay ave.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE SPACE
In this space we will not only sell our retail product, but also provide arts based services, and host events. What is special about our space is that we want to become a third space for artistic development and community gathering.
In house services
- Teen focused programming
- Adult art classes
- 0-3 fine motor development groups
- Pre-teen social groups
- After school art support
- Wind down days that provide a space of relaxation to community members
- Parent-child workshops
- Weekend retreats
- School based programming
- Professional Development
- Senior programs / intergenerational programs
- STEAM integration
- Psychoeducation programming
- Summer camp!
- Birthday Parties
- Bridal Showers
- Bachelorette
- Host Girl Scout/ Boy Scout Troops
- Caregiver appreciation days
- If you could believe it the list of what we want to do goes on and on!
Products/Services
-Assistance on art projects (SOS Brush Box we need you)
- We can curate a material list and have the items ready for you to pick up
-Local access to affordable art supplies. We plan to sell a variety of our favorite art supplies and materials.
-Buy a product, make it in house- Create any of our Brush Box products in studio!
-Plan a group date with us! Book our private room or drop into our space for a special project.
-Buy it in bulk! Don't need it individually packaged? We can curate your very own bulk activity kit.
-All caregivers for individuals that need additional assistance will be able to attend programming for free.
-We will have a pay it forward program where community members can donate funds, classes, and art kits to those who need support.
-Source your party favors through us! Provide a unique one of a kind experience for your guests to take home.
-Engagement with surrounding schools to provide art therapy services inside of their building and after school.
-Exclusive Brush Box drops and first access to products
-Of course, for the first time ever, a build your own kit bar !
WHERE WE NEED HELP
Marketing Needs:
-Revenue for Social Media ads
-Funding for direct mail flyers
-Printed Yard signs
-All Permits for business and building
Inventory Needs:
-Bulk container and materials purchase to stock products
-Sensory toys for access to calming fidgets
-Containers, stands, shelving, tables
-Shipping supplies
Cosmetic updates:
-New Flooring
-Replace water damaged ceiling tiles
-Paint Walls
Major projects:
-Outdoor Signage replacement
-Addition of handicap accessible bathroom
-Addition of large handwashing sink to allow for school based groups, professional development, and birthday parties
-Creation of group room with kitchenette to provide therapeutic services and a private event space
-Large mural project
To get all of this work done we are estimating to need a minimum of 40,000. While this is a huge goal we are confident that Brush Box will be a hub for creative expression and artistic joy in the north shore area.
We are so thankful for any donation you are able to contribute. Even if you don't have anything monetary to donate a simple share, or follow on social media means the world to us.
All donors will receive a free 6 month chill pass which is eligible for redemption when we open our doors!
A chill pass allows access to utilize our community art supplies and sit a chill in our space while working on your project. To access this deal please send us an email for us to add you to our donor email list.
In our chill space, we will have a variety of high quality supplies, machines, guides, and even expert assistance.