Sticks and Stones Studio is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing access to enriching artistic experiences for children in Jackson County and the Applegate Valley. My name is Katie, and I am new to the area, but I am already seeing what a magical place this is and eager to offer my skills to the community through my passion for art education and the environment. I am a licensed art teacher and moved here from Fort Collins Colorado where I ran a small business with a friend that specialized in nature-based art education for K-12 kids in our community. While I truly felt I was making a difference in the children’s lives and in my community, I noticed that our classes were not accessible to low-income families. When I moved to the Applegate Valley, I made it my mission to start a non-profit that would serve all families regardless of socioeconomic status.

Creating art is fundamental to children’s development as it allows them to process their perceptions of the world, express their thoughts and emotions, and communicate complex ideas. Through art, children can transform their ideas into tangible forms, articulate their deepest feelings, and cultivate resilience by embracing innovation and critical thinking in the face of challenges. Sticks and Stones is dedicated to creating a space for artistic exploration regardless of socioeconomic status for the children in our community. This nonprofit is still in its infancy, but my dream is to one day offer art classes, camps, and workshops free of charge.