QUICK DRAW

June 22, 2016

THE PROJECT

In the fall of 2015, Meanz Chan and myself adventured to Kansas City as volunteers for Hot Hands- a fundraising event for Front/Space. The event brought in both artists and community members to experience and embrace creativity in a new light. The energy of the event was so powerful that we sought to make it happen in Des Moines!

During Art Week Des Moines, the DSM Girl Gang held their own version called Quick Draw. On June 22nd 2016 we strapped on our chaps while 19 artists made art on site and sold each piece for $30 throughout the evening. Artists grew connections, experienced new ways to create and guests enthusiastically watched as artists do what they do best. The night was full of inventive art and cowboy hats- what more can you ask for? 

MY ROLE

My primary role for this event was overseeing timelines, ensuring members completed their responsibilities and general oversight of the final event. During our group meetings, I helped lead our conversations regarding fundraising goals, payment process, individual roles and development of marketing content. Working alongside the other members, I wrote the informative call to artists and then developed Quick Draw Quick Bios to promote our event on Facebook. This was accomplished by generating a short google survey for participating artists then formatting their answers for our social media posts. I was also the point person for our venue ensuring clear communication for set up and take down. 

Photos by: Lacie Navin

To view the full blog write-up on this event please click HERE. 

QUICK DRAW ROUND 2

June 21, 2017

We loved Quick Draw so much that we had to do it again! Don't know what I'm talking about? Check out last year's event HERE.  

THE event

  • Location: After a few venue challenges, we jumped on the opportunity to collaborate with Fourth + Court Hy-Vee. Who doesn't love art AND food?

  • Artists: We added 3 more incredible artists bringing our total participation to 22!

  • Payment: Being an event for Art Week Des Moines, we decided to give a majority of the money back to the artists. While still raising enough money to help propel the DSM Girl Gang into our non-profit status, we proudly chose to build a more empowering structure to support artists.

  • Swag: We hand made adorable glitter encrusted "sheriff" badges for all participating artists and then sold extras for $1.

  • Collaboration: Teaming up with Art Terrarium, we heightened the feel of ye old south west by displaying their awesome collection of cacti.

my role

  • I first have to say that nothing would have been possible without the awesome team effort of our planning committee: Meanz Chan, Cat Rocketship, Dani Ausen, and Christine Hilbert

  • To help streamline communications, I became the main contact between the vendor, collaborators and participating artists.

  • I helped expand our participation pool by recruiting one artist from Kansas City and another young artist who just graduated high school.

  • Check out last year's event to see details on my other responsibilities such as Quick Draw Quick Bios.

See full blog post HERE. 

Photos by Meanz Chan.