I have been teaching art for the past 4 years at a local elementary school. For those of you who didn't know, I applied for and was granted a one year leave of absence and won't be returning this fall. After doing some reflecting, praying, financial planning, and talking with my husband, we decided to pursue this little dream of mine. Ever since I was a little girl, I've had a love for and interest in art. If you would have asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I typically responded with "an artist ... or a zoo keeper." I guess I like me some adventure!
When thinking about the question, "If money was no concern, what job or career would be ideal for you?" this is it. Putting a creative twist on someone's junk and transforming trash into objects of beauty and purpose is something I can spend hours doing (and I have been doing for some time now). And although sometimes it's hard to part with these newly renovated treasures, I really enjoy seeing other people use and find beauty in them. Selling and actually making money from this is always fun, AND giving part of that money away is even more fun for me.
Back in 2009, I signed up to go on a missions trip to Manaus, Brazil. In order to fundraise and spread the word about what we were doing, I organized a one day art sale. I was hoping to sell a lot of what I had brought (which was indeed a LOT of artwork in a range of media), rake in enough money to cover the second half of my trip fees, and be able to give the rest to support the different Brazilian ministries that we were going to be a part of. Surprisingly in rural Wisconsin, the art sale was a big hit, and I was able to give a substantial amount. Wow! I went back to Brazil the following year, and once again had an art sale ... another success.
My aim is to make, sell, supplement our income, and give. I know it will be a bumpy road, not an easy one, filled with hard work and challenges, but hopefully sprinkled with joy, satisfaction, and the reality of living the dream.
When thinking about the question, "If money was no concern, what job or career would be ideal for you?" this is it. Putting a creative twist on someone's junk and transforming trash into objects of beauty and purpose is something I can spend hours doing (and I have been doing for some time now). And although sometimes it's hard to part with these newly renovated treasures, I really enjoy seeing other people use and find beauty in them. Selling and actually making money from this is always fun, AND giving part of that money away is even more fun for me.
Back in 2009, I signed up to go on a missions trip to Manaus, Brazil. In order to fundraise and spread the word about what we were doing, I organized a one day art sale. I was hoping to sell a lot of what I had brought (which was indeed a LOT of artwork in a range of media), rake in enough money to cover the second half of my trip fees, and be able to give the rest to support the different Brazilian ministries that we were going to be a part of. Surprisingly in rural Wisconsin, the art sale was a big hit, and I was able to give a substantial amount. Wow! I went back to Brazil the following year, and once again had an art sale ... another success.
My aim is to make, sell, supplement our income, and give. I know it will be a bumpy road, not an easy one, filled with hard work and challenges, but hopefully sprinkled with joy, satisfaction, and the reality of living the dream.