Sunday, February 07, 2016

Creative heART Challenge: A Fundraiser for Allegory Gallery...

We recently received an incredible offer to purchase merchandise for the store at an awesome discount.  The question then became... how do we finance this acquisition?  While the shop is doing well, this opportunity was rather unexpected and the expense was larger than we could absorb into our regular inventory budget.  Curious about how we could make it happen, we reached out to our network of friends.  We got a lot of positive feedback – some encouraging us to take out small business loans or do crowdsource funding or host events.  So many great ideas... but were they the right ones for us?  Each of the options had positives and negatives.  I sat down and really thought about it and searched my heart.

As an artist, whenever there has been an obstacle, I've always taken the approach of looking at it creatively.  Sometimes the answer to a problem can be right in front of you... you just have to change your perspective.  With this opportunity, it was no different.  After thinking about it for awhile, I decided that I wanted to use it as a creative challenge.  Recently, I've felt as though I've been in a bit of a slump and have found it hard to feel satisfied with my work.  The answer came in the form of a whisper in my heart and a longing in my spirit, "Embrace this as a creative challenge!  Use it as a catalyst to make this goal manifest!  Follow your muse!  Believe in your creative heart!"

And the idea was born.

Starting on Monday, February 8th, I'll be embarking on a 30-day creative journey and I hope you'll join me.  Each day, I'll post new things that I made.  I'll be making components, finished jewelry, and paintings among other things.  Maybe I'll make one thing a day or maybe many!  I'm not going to set too many restrictions on myself.  I'll use whatever materials strike my fancy and listen to my muses.  I hope that people will enjoy the trip with me and if they are moved by my work, will adopt my creations in the Creative heART Challenge.  We'll use these funds to make our goal a reality and with your support, we will make it happen!


6 comments:

Ann Schroeder said...

This is very exciting. I hope it is a wonderful creative journey for you as well as a successful fundraising effort to add this inventory opportunity to your store. I look forward to seeing everything you create.

Sarajo Wentling said...

I'm excited to see what you are inspired to make and excited about the opportunity that you have before you. Wishing you the very best luck in meeting your goals!

Anonymous said...

I am very happy for you, Andrew! I have been following your comments about this adventure and am looking forward to your Creative heART Challenge! I love the name, by the way! Best wishes to you on this journey! Can't wait to see where it takes you!

Rebecca said...

Yay!

Barbara said...

I'm cheering you on! I'll be watching your challenge and waiting for the perfect piece that speaks to me! You are LIVING AND WORKING YOUR DREAM! XOXO.

Eileen Bergen said...

What a creative solution to two needs! Best of luck, Andrew.

I'm sorry to be dense, but when you say, "adopt my creations in the Creative heART Challenge," do you mean purchase one or I there another way to support you (you mentioned crowd sourcing, but I don't see any link or info)?