It was a stunning, sunny day and young art-trepreneur, Jules, just about to graduate to high school, had planned her work and was working her plan!
Jules has always loved art and the act of creating. I met her when she participated in the youthLEADarts afterschool program at her inner-city school. Here, youth could meet, connect, create and grow together in a safe space. I noticed that she had a knack for mixing colours, playing with texture and creating lines and shapes that delighted the eye.
I was further delighted to see that, after the program ended, she continued to create! Not only that, she had the vision and drive to use her talents for a good cause!
Her grade was hosting a BBQ and photo sale to raise funds for class projects such as their end of the year graduation camping trip. Her table was full of her very own, limited-edition paintings that she had made using a combination of spray paint and acrylic. All of the proceeds were being donated to the class cause.
I had to act quickly because her originals were selling out. I chose one with vibrant flowers that felt like spring and summer to me…a time to blossom, colours that will uplift me when the seasons change to grey.
I was proud of how eloquently Jules spoke about her work and how easily she talked to the public. She had recognized her talent and taken it to another level, a level that benefited not only her, but her community of classmates. In just a couple of short months, Jules blossomed, from a rather introverted youth, into a successful art-trepreneur!
Congratulations on your success Jules and on your generosity of spirit! Long may you paint! Your talent, followed by the ACTion you took to promote your art makes you a LEADer among youth!