Fund Highlight: Art Matters

By Revey Hertzler

In the greater Grand Forks area, Art Matters stands as a pillar of creativity for underserved children. Founded in 2022, this small but impactful organization has been making a significant difference in the community.

The core mission of Art Matters is to get free packs of art supplies to children in need. Each art pack, averaging ten dollars to assemble, includes crayons, markers, colored pencils, a large eraser, a glue stick, a sketchbook, pencils, and a drawstring bag. The organization, fiscally sponsored by the Community Foundation, works in collaboration with other nonprofits to identify where these supplies will have the largest effect.

Art for All

The inspiration for Art Matters stems from the childhood of its founder, Carrie Sapa, whose experience of artistic freedom was a tremendous outlet for creativity and problem-solving. The turning point came during her college years at the University of North Dakota when a professor highlighted the lack of access to art materials among many children. This revelation motivated Sapa to ensure that every child could experience the joy and benefits of art. With the help of the Community Foundation, Art Matters was born.

Measuring the impact of accessible art supplies is an integral part of their mission. Sapa often delivers the packs herself, witnessing firsthand the excitement they bring to the children. “I have seen kids literally jump for joy and hug their art packs as soon as they get them,” says Sapa. “This kind of feedback tells me we are doing the right thing.”

Collaborating for Change

Art and art education are vital components of any community. They bring people together, fostering healthy bonds and reducing isolation. Engaging in art helps to reduce stress, create empathy, and promote critical thinking. Moreover, art is simply fun and can be a powerful tool for healing and unifying communities.

Collaboration is key to the success of Art Matters, as they rely heavily on partnerships with schools and other nonprofits. Many underserved children face challenges in accessing donated items, so Art Matters works with organizations that regularly interact with these children to bridge that gap. One of their key partners is the Community Violence Intervention Center (CVIC), a long-established local nonprofit. “When CVIC identifies children who are in need, the packs they distribute can be a key resource to keep kids engaged and help put them more at ease during difficult situations,” says Sapa.

Feedback from CVIC has been incredibly positive, emphasizing how the packs help children cope during times of instability and uncertainty. They provide a valuable outlet for mindfulness and engagement during CVIC’s meetings with families, which can be stressful for children.

Art Matters has also collaborated with Calvary Lutheran Church, where they provided art supplies to every student at Lewis and Clark School in  honor of Pastor Kirk Messick. This project  was a touching tribute and a huge success, with 195 packs distributed.

Great Effort for Greater Outcomes

Maintaining the operation and distribution of art packs, especially during challenging times, has not been without its hurdles. The entire Art Matters team is made up of volunteers, and Sapa herself works a full-time job alongside it.

“This often requires working at night and on weekends,” she explains, and during the summer, her living room turns into something of a warehouse for supplies. Sapa is grateful for the support of her spouse and motivated by the positive experiences these art packs bring to children.
At Art Matters, that motivation never falters. “We may be an organization of unpaid volunteers, but we have deep roots in our community and a strong determination. We are committed to seeking donations, broadcasting our mission, keeping up relationships, and forming new ones, no matter how long it takes,” Sapa explains.

Helping Hands

For Art Matters, the organization offers multiple ways for people to contribute to their mission, including monetary donations, ordering supplies, filling packs, and spreading the word. This flexibility allows Art Matters to adapt to changing needs and continue serving the community effectively.

Volunteer engagement is crucial. The organization relies on friends, family, and students at Sacred Heart High School, who love to help fill and move packs. However, finding volunteers for fundraising, grant writing, and maintaining social media can be challenging. Nevertheless, the organization is incredibly grateful for those who share the mission and help how they can.

Bright Futures

Support from the Community Foundation has been instrumental in helping Art Matters establish its footing and gain legitimacy. This support allows the organization to receive donations and continue its mission while applying for its 501(c)(3) status. The Foundation's backing goes a long way to inform the public and potential donors about Art Matters' genuine commitment to helping vulnerable children.

Looking to the future, Art Matters aims to expand its outreach. Short-term goals include providing crafts or mini art packs at local lunch programs and engaging with the community during the Fourth of July events. In the long term, the organization hopes to extend its services to the elderly, disabled, and other underserved communities in North Dakota and Minnesota.

Get Involved

In its first year, Art Matters donated 386 art packs. In 2023, they were able to distribute 627. The goal is to continue this upward trajectory and give back to the community that has given so much. Art Matters hopes to continue growing and always welcomes donations, volunteers, and championing of the cause through word-of-mouth and shares on social media.

Aspiring volunteers can contact Art Matters at [email protected] or through social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Those who cannot volunteer time can offer support by spreading the mission or making donations.

Art Matters is a testament to the power of art and community collaboration. With the support of volunteers and donors, this organization continues to bring joy, creativity, and hope to the lives of children in the Greater Grand Forks region.

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Revey Hertzler is a published writer, activist, and friend of the Community Foundation of Grand Forks, East Grand Forks & Region.