#Planoartkits
A community and creativity based project created for Plano Kids in response to COVID 19
Plano Art Kits sprouted from a humble idea that I initially shared on Facebook. Having spent my summers assisting the Dallas Museum of Art with their programming in underserved neighborhoods of Dallas County, I felt disheartened, like many others, upon learning that summer instruction and programming had to be paused due to safety concerns. Driven by a desire to take action, I turned to Facebook and shared my emotions, posing the questions: "What can we do? How can we make a difference?"
As educators, our top priority is always ensuring the safety of our students. Collaborating with Laura Grundler and seeking guidance from the Plano Arts Centre, a wonderful concept began to take shape—the creation of art kits to be distributed to families and shelters in need. These kits contained an assortment of supplies and included a complimentary virtual lesson featuring instructions for Visual Journaling.
A community that cares
To secure the necessary resources for this endeavor, I initiated a GoFundMe campaign. Through the campaign, I detailed the purpose of the art kits, outlined the safe distribution process, and underscored the significance of creative education and the arts, particularly in the context of a global pandemic. The GoFundMe link remains accessible, allowing interested parties to review the campaign. Astonishingly, within less than 24 hours, the project was fully funded, surpassing our initial target. This remarkable achievement brought great excitement, as it meant we could procure additional supplies and even include snacks in the kits, further enhancing the experience for the recipients.
Plano Art Leaders
Once the project went live and received funding, an outpouring of support came from my amazing network of educator friends. These remarkable individuals, known as Plano Art Leaders, are passionate Plano art teachers dedicated to fostering creative community engagement. I am immensely grateful for their involvement.
In particular, I want to extend my sincere appreciation to Laura Grundler, who graciously offered her family's driveway as a safe and socially distanced space for the assembly line kit creation. Her generosity and support were invaluable in bringing this initiative to life.
Furthermore, several teachers selflessly volunteered to personally deliver the art kits to two important shelters, namely Samaritan Inn and City House. Their dedication to ensuring the kits reached those in need showcases the extraordinary commitment and compassion that exists within our education community.
Safe and engaging
Families were provided with the opportunity to pick up art kits at one of three designated locations in Plano. This alternative allowed for greater accessibility and convenience for families who were able to visit these locations.
I am incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support and participation from the families who not only came to pick up the art kits but also offered their generous contributions to this initiative. Their presence and donations further reinforced the sense of community and solidarity surrounding this project, making it an even more meaningful and impactful endeavor.
