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August 30, 2023 | CHICAGO, Illinois — For the third year in a row, Blick Art Materials partnered with Fresh Artists for a nationwide Give and Get donation drive aimed at providing essential art supplies to critically underfunded public schools. Blick stores throughout the country participated in this summer’s program, which gave customers the chance to stock local art teachers’ shelves by purchasing select supplies for donation.
Over 46,000 art supplies, including high-quality Blick brand markers, sketchbooks, and colored pencils, were generously donated to elementary and middle schools facing severe funding shortages. Fresh Artists, which supplied this year’s participating elementary and middle schools, identified needed items by collecting wish lists from local teachers. Between 70–100% of enrolled students at benefiting schools come from economically disadvantaged households.
“Thousands of public-school art teachers across the United States are given a zero-dollar budget for art supplies,” said Fresh Artists Founder, Barbara Chandler Allen. “Through the donations of Blick customers, vital learning, self-expression, and life skills reach hundreds of thousands of K-8 kids in severely underfunded local schools. Your energy and generosity level the educational playing field and help them build brighter and more creative futures.”
“We’re proud of the continued success of our Summer Give and Get program,” said Barton Veghts, Vice President of Retail at Blick. “These donations are a testament to the generosity of our customers, the passion of our partners at Fresh Artists, and the dedication of our associates, many of whom draw on their own skills as artists to create enthusiasm for the program.”
Since 2021, over half a million dollars’ worth of art supplies have been donated to schools nationwide. Blick Art Materials and Fresh Artists recently announced plans for a 2024 donation drive. Art teachers who are working in an underfunded public school can click here to register to receive information about Fresh Artists’ art supply grants and programs. Anyone wishing to make a donation to deliver art supplies to underfunded schools can do so year-round by visiting Fresh Artists’ donation page.
Founded in 2008, Fresh Artists is a national, award-winning nonprofit empowering young lives through art by engaging children as partners in philanthropy, and advocating for a quality education for all children by providing art supplies and innovative art programs to severely under-resourced public schools. Fresh Artists is proud to create a unique cycle of giving where children help break down the barriers to accessing a quality education for all children. Visit FreshArtists.org to learn more about their mission.
Founded in Galesburg, Illinois in 1911, Blick Art Materials is the largest and oldest provider of art supplies in the United States. Its products cater to the full spectrum of artists — from the youngest child to gallery-represented professionals. A long-time advocate of art education in the U.S., Blick also provides support for scholastic, collegiate, and professional art shows, both financially and through a variety of materials that emphasize the benefits of art education. Blick has over 60 retail stores across the country, having acquired Utrecht's paint manufacturing facility and 40 retail stores in 2013. For more information, visit DickBlick.com