Help bring an Art Supply Store to life!

So listen, time is of the essence, and we are all busy people, so would you mind if I give you my elevator speech real quick?

WE ARE A TOWN WITH A HUGE ART COMMUNITY, AND WE HAVE NO ART SUPPLY STORE ANYMORE!

...well, at least not one that doesn’t first require us to walk through aisles of crafting supplies before we maybe reach what we need, but we are often left with having to order what we need online. As a multi-medium dabbling artist, I know how much I, and other locals, long for a place we can get to with ease to get the supplies we need to create. When the pandemic began and everything shut down, art became a force of life in our house, and it was very frustrating not being able to gather the tools and materials locally. After many conversations around town over the last few months, I know I'm not alone in this feeling!

So listen, I'm trying to pull off something pretty extraordinary quicker than I ever imagined I would, but you know what? I'm starting to think that maybe this is the sort of thing that happens when you start saying OUT LOUD what you want out of your life. It just so happens that the perfect launch pad of a space has become available, and it couldn't be a better place for us to begin building Indie Art, YOUR community-inspired art supply store! After speaking with the owner of the building and getting full support that an art supply store is beyond suitable for our town, I couldn't fathom missing the opportunity of snagging this space to bring it to fruition. I SIGNED THE LEASE AND PICKED UP THE KEYS!! The shop is located in the Kerrytown District of Ann Arbor at The Kerrytown Market + Shops building, right in the heart of this town's most loved and adored area. We have a big dream of opening our doors with awesome inventory and smiling faces by December 3! Starting now, you'll find us in there often getting the space ready!

Do you remember the scene in Father of the Bride when Annie comes home from traveling abroad and tells her family she's engaged to a man she met in Rome, and right after the words come out of her mouth she screams aloud? You should know, that's me right now.

I want this to be where you come for the fine art materials you need to keep creating the thing I believe in more than anything, ART. I believe in the impact of art on individual lives and a collective, and I will spend the rest of my days carving space for it in any way I can. I also plan to host many art shows, contests, classes (think nude figure drawing classes making a comeback!!) and artist talks. I plan to work closely with art teachers and art schools too! Believe me when I say that I'm already thinking about Indie years from now, and the absolute force I know it could be in this community. I'm admittedly not the most knowledgeable person in the room when it comes to art supplies, but I'm a great listener, a quick learner, and passionate about all mediums of art, and I can't wait to learn alongside you.

However, the timing has left me in a position to do the thing no one likes to do. I've recently learned that "...self-sufficiency is a connection blocker," so I'm here to ask our family, friends, and community to help me bring this to life. The plan was to save for start-up costs over the coming year so that we didn't have to take out a loan or ask anyone for help, but with the sudden availability of the space, the ball started rolling before we were "ready." So here we are, asking you for the help we need to make sure that BIG FINANCE doesn't sink its claws into us and we can keep Indie Art, INDIE-pendent. Get it?!?! Muahahahahaha!

It would be so wonderful if you could contribute in any way you feel comfortable! Any donation is welcome and cherished, and if you can't give monetarily but want to contribute to this dream, I've created a list of ways you can help!

Your monetary investment will go towards:

SHARING THIS LINK IS THE NEXT BEST THING YOU CAN DO TO HELP YOUR GIRL OUT, AND I AM ETERNALLY GRATEFUL TO YOU FOR IT!

It will be the honor of my life to create a shop that will work tirelessly to meet the specific needs of our artist community while also providing new types of products that will serve to inspire. I can't wait to be our local creative community's biggest fan and cheerleader! Once upon a time when I was building BAMPHOTO from the ground up, this town rallied behind me and built it into what it is now, and I feel immeasurably thankful to be given another opportunity to make something special with you all again!

Thank you for your ears, hearts and support!