CEDAR FALLS, Iowa (KCRG) – The Hearst Center for the Arts in Cedar Falls is offering a unique opportunity for local artists to access high-quality art supplies without breaking the bank.
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The Problem with Art Supplies
Art supplies can be expensive, with items like paint tubes, pencils, and canvases costing hundreds of dollars. For local artists in Cedar Falls, these costs can be a significant barrier to creating their art.
- Paint tubes can range from $5 to $50
- Pencils can cost anywhere from $1 to $10
- Canvases can cost upwards of $100
These costs can be overwhelming for artists who are just starting out or who are on a tight budget.
A Solution: The Supply Swap
That’s where Cory Hurless, part of The Hearst Center for the Arts and Limelight Cedar Valley, comes in. She works to support artists year-round and recently came up with the idea of a supply swap for artists and hobbyists. “They delivered this climate survey to area artists and asked, ‘What do you need? Do you need more space? Do you need more venues? What is it that we’re lacking that we could help with?’” Hurless said. The survey revealed that local artists were in need of arts funding and opportunities to collaborate.
Collecting Donations
Hurless put out a call to the community to collect art supplies, and the response was overwhelming. “Starting right away, there was so much engagement on social media. Every day that we’ve been open, people have come by and dropped off things.” Hurless said. The center has collected dozens of supplies in just a few weeks.
Benefits for Artists
The supply swap is not just about collecting donations; it’s also about empowering artists. “I think access to inexpensive, or even better yet, free supplies is kind of the gateway drug to being an artist,” said Wendy Bowman, an artist who creates art using found objects. Bowman started her career in art three years ago, but said she’s been an artist her whole life. Bowman uses supplies that have been donated to her, saying that it gives her more freedom to experiment and try new things.
“When I use things that I have found, that I’ve discovered, things that people have given to me, then I have more of a freedom to try and experiment.”
She believes that the supply swap will help artists at any stage.
Event Details
The supply swap will continue until June 30th, leading up to the event “Artisans in the Garden” where artists can pick out supplies and sell their art.
| Date: | June 30th |
| Time: | 2pm-5pm |
| Location: | The Hearst Center for the Arts |
A Break for Artists
For local artists in Cedar Falls, the supply swap is a welcome relief. It provides them with access to the materials they need to create their art without breaking the bank. This is a great opportunity for artists to get started or continue their creative journey.
The supply swap is just the beginning, and Hurless is excited to see what the future holds.
A Future of Collaboration
Hurless hopes that the supply swap will lead to more collaborations and opportunities for local artists.
A supply swap is an exchange of art supplies where artists donate or exchange supplies with others. It’s a way to build a community and support local artists.
By providing free supplies to local artists, the Hearst Center for the Arts is helping to foster a creative community in Cedar Falls. This is a great way to promote arts and culture in the community.
The supply swap is a unique and innovative solution to the problem of expensive art supplies. It’s a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives and the importance of supporting local artists.