Help Katy open her 1st retail art shop, Easy, for arts sake!

My name is Katy Lane! I am many things, but for the sake of simplicity- I’m a potter & a poet with a desire to make space (to make).

In short- I’m taking a(nother) huge risk. Surprise! It’s art related. I’m opening my first ever retail art shop. In a brand new town! Blowing Rock, NC. On a shoestring budget (with frayed ends) and a whole lotta faith.

The name of my shop is Easy. The intention is to create a sense of ease and joy for all who walk into the space, or take home a piece of it. All participating artists are submitting works which are presently in progress, all of which are intended to be made from, and for, a feeling of ease, effortlessness, simplicity, presence, peace. All artists are either “emerging” or have been buried under the pressures of working class woes for far too long. I would like to generate momentum in my art practice, and the practices of these beautiful, talented creatives I’ve come to know. I’d like to get them well fed, seen, and loved, by way of getting their art into the hands and homes of those who appreciate it.

Right now- I’m funding this project by working 6 different hourly wage contracting gigs (yes I do feel like cat in the hat), while *trying to* find a slice of time to generate a fresh body of work to put in the shop. I’m also constructing and scavenging all of the interior fixtures. I can’t remember the last time I truly relaxed- and that’s okay, but I’d really like some support.

If you’ve met me you know I will continue to push when it comes to matters of art and love beyond my own capacity, whether I have the resources or not. Maybe you also know that I make my best work from a soft place. If you feel called to create a little bit of that soft place for me- I am open to receiving donations in any amount for this next big idea.

COST BREAKDOWN-

Shop Rent- $700 a month

Shop Fees- $1000 (due this month, April)

Single employee labor cost-$10,000 at $10 an hour (on the low end)

Clay, Glaze- $1000 + per order

Studio rent- $1050 per month

Additional costs- (merch, wood, labor, packing, advertising, insurance fixtures)- $500-$3000

Any amount helps- from $5 all the way to $5000! I believe in the power of community and the healing balm that art spaces provide. I won’t give up until my heart gives out.

If you read this far, thank you. I hope to see you sipping a “Honeybee Easy” (the seasonally inspired herbal tea that I’ll be crafting in my shop ) and enjoying the North Carolina mountain breeze out front of Easy real soon.

Easy does it,

All my gratitude-

Katy Lane

(Me outside of the space! It’s happening!)

easy

adjective

: marked by peace and comfort

: not hurried or strenuous

: free from pain, annoyance, or anxiety

did all she could to make him easier

: marked by social ease

: giving ease, comfort, or relaxation

: not burdensome or straitened

: fitting comfortably : allowing freedom of movement

: marked by ready facility

: felt or attained to readily, naturally, and spontaneously