ArtStart. We are here to create something!

Thank You for visiting my fundraising page for ArtStart! 

I am Michelle Presley and very excited with my new commitment to the board of ArtStart. Creating art expands our ability to interact with the world around us. This past year, I’ve had the privilege to observe the teachings of art, through ArtStart facilitators and artists, with of the focus on healing and belonging. I saw first- hand how the art of self- expression was revealed through exploration, creativity and imagination. I was thrilled to see the participants sense of happiness, achievement and confidence. 

I hope you consider donating to help me reach my personal goal of $500. Any amount, large or small, will help to support ArtStart’s collective goal of $5000. 

 Why are the arts critical in our world?

Our community’s support helped ArtStart grow in remarkable ways in the last two years:

• We launched our Studio A art classes for kids and adults to offer engaging learning experiences for all levels of experience, online and now in person at Creators Space in St. Paul. We created new communities with adults and kids, coming together to create and share art. 
• We offered artist residencies for schools online, reaching children in communities underserved by the arts. Artists and educators saw students develop self-expression and make meaningful connections across the curriculum and we supported artists and educators with professional development workshops to expand their skillsets. 
• Our Passport to the Arts camps were offered online and outdoors these last two years, exploring Peru, Ecuador, and Japan. Despite challenges, children thrived as they were immersed in arts and cultures! This year, we sold out our Australia and New Zealand camps in record time. 
• Our free library workshops reached hundreds of kids and adults in Ramsey, Dakota, Scott, and Washington counties with after school, Saturday, and evening artful reuse and cultural workshops. 
• We partnered with the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge to give scholarships to Latinx kids for our fall camp Dia de los Muertos, created a new COVID-safe experience for EcoArts Fest last year with interactive art and nature walks, and worked with community members on a stunning monarch tapestry project. 
• Our unique, educational Creativity Kits for kids of all ages continue to feature a wide variety of topics including reuse, learning about artists, science and art, and nature.
• These popular Creativity Kits were featured in the Star Tribune and we now have more than 100 different kits available! 
• The ArtScraps ReUse Center offered online shopping of art materials, curbside pickup, and now in-store shopping once again. The store saw some record sales months as families got creative about how to spend their time!As the world was shutting down two years ago, in many ways we opened up to new possibilities and found ways to flourish. And now we’re overjoyed to be with our community in-person again!

To continue creating transformative arts experiences for all, please donate in any amount you are able to give today. 

 We’ve always believed in making art education accessible for all, and we’re building on this important work with your help. Your gift supports our work to offer educational programming for kids and adults, including scholarships and residencies for kids in underserved communities.

 “You are truly remarkable!! This camp is a highlight of my children’s year. We are so grateful for how you support our son to participate. He is so proud of what he creates here. I love seeing how the kids learn about the world and its people through the arts.” – Summer Camp Parent

 Thank you for supporting our commitment to teaching the arts as a way to learn, heal, wonder, and grow!