BIO

A little about me, so we’re not total strangers! My name is Kat Smith, and I’m the owner of Wild Ones Collections, @wild.ones.collections, my art that focuses on ethical insect taxidermy blended stylistically with original fine watercolor and graphite work. I’m a mom to the most wonderful 6 year old daughter and partner to the most supportive husband and wonderful autistic support educator on Earth (pretty sure). We love each other deeply and are determined to make our places in this world positive ones, with deep connections and meaningful effect.

As a lifelong artist, I’ve always been magnetized towards spaces and communities that appreciate creativity and harbor it actively. My small town of Jenkintown, PA (just outside of Philly) is just that; a town full of kind, accepting, open-minded families that thrive as a community and constantly impress me with their support and interest!

DREAM

THE DREAM!!! This leads me to my dream and blossoming opportunity: A community art space with LOADS of activities for ALL ages, budgets and stages; thoughtfully designed and always fresh. Retail to include stationary, art supply, inspired design, hands-on basics, the analog lifestyle and a freedom to create anything! No memberships or reservations needed, no up front payments for bulk courses, no set weekly time frames, room for ALL, and endless exciting events, popups, projects and classes to explore... come and play!

The retail will ideally focus on high quality, affordable daily office/school supplies, and art supplies for the everyday artist or professional artists. The space will be completely modular and adjustable allowing for flexibility and access at all times.

The crafting space will be open format; an “open studio” for both kid and adult level supplies in an inspired and beautiful space OR folks will have an option to choose from a regularly changing menu of craft experiences, starting at $6 and maxing out at around $40, with a secret menu for folks eager to dabble in more hefty crafts like glazed pottery or creating their own wedding place cards/invitations, etc. A place to land for everyone in any community and ability level.

PAY IT FORWARD!

I'd like to shoot for the stars and have a large portion of this fundraiser help start an "Art For All" program in the permanent business plan; as a community that houses and serves children and families on food assistance/aid, and a community that’s only a couple miles from the Philadelphia county line (a quick train ride and walk from Septa!), and a community that stands on acceptance and inclusion for all, this feels important. Art is universal and freedom of creativity can change a persons life. This would ideally also include our local educators in back-to-school timelines, to give them a proper discount on supplies

BREAKDOWN

$4000 (priority): luxury vinyl flooring to replace blue office carpet.

$1000 (priority): light demolition to open the window wells from their current dry walled state to allow for maximum natural light- south facing and ✨glorious✨.

$1000 (priority): Fluorescent to soft white track lighting for our more sensitive artists.

$1000 (priority): POS system with scanning/SKU access and customer loyalty program.

$3000 (reach goal): Furniture! Hoping to thrift most, have plenty of seating and have a local friend fabricate much of the rest of the specialty organization.

$500 (reach goal): outdoor seating for relaxing and all season crafting.

$5000 (reach goal): open studio equipment and supplies to open the store with full access to a full menu and signage, versus a soft opening moving toward a full open.

$5000 (big reach goal!): This would be for the Pay It Forward and Teacher Support program... while it's not necessary to open the store, it would be so nice to be able to afford to host EVERYONE's creativity and needs... And also to give teachers the resources to support our kids in every way they can!

*any extra money raised will help support the overall design and execution of stocking, outfitting, painting, and helping pay myself a basic, hourly wage for the month it will likely take me to DIY this! If you know me, you KNOW I'm too stubborn and optimistic to let this be any less than magnificent... this would just give me the kickstart to rock and roll straight out of the gate!*