Start with Art

03/12/2026

Today we attended the Randolph County Early Care & Learning Coalition meeting, and one message stood out loud and clear — our community needs to focus on early literacy.

Many children are not receiving enough one-on-one interaction, reading time, and opportunities to engage with other children during the earliest stages of development. These early years matter more than many people realize.

Ages 0–5 are the foundation of a child’s future learning.

During this time, children develop critical skills such as language, communication, emotional regulation, creativity, and social interaction. The experiences they have in these early years shape how they learn, connect with others, and navigate the world around them.

At Start with Art, we are deeply committed to helping strengthen that foundation in our community.

That’s why we are actively working on grants and partnerships to expand our Tiny Hands program and offer it at zero cost to families. Our goal is to create a welcoming space where young children can:

• Experience early literacy through storytelling
• Build social skills by interacting with other children
• Explore creativity through hands-on art activities
• Strengthen fine motor skills and confidence
• Give caregivers tools to support learning at home

Programs like Tiny Hands help families understand the importance of early literacy while also giving children a chance to play, learn, create, and connect.

When we invest in our youngest learners, we are investing in the future of our entire community.

We are excited to continue collaborating with local organizations and leaders who share the same vision: giving every child the opportunity to start strong.

Stay tuned for updates as we work toward expanding Tiny Hands and making it accessible to even more families in Randolph County.

To learn more about us or how to donate please visit Indianastartwithart.org 

03/12/2026

We have merchandise at our studio !!!

03/12/2026

Mental health terms like anxiety, PTSD, and trauma are often used casually in everyday conversation. But for many people, these words represent very real and difficult experiences.

For some individuals living with anxiety or PTSD, something as simple as choosing where to sit in a room can feel like a survival decision. Sitting where they can see the exit. Sitting with their back against a wall. Being aware of who is around them at all times. These aren’t preferences, they are coping mechanisms developed by the brain and body after experiencing stress or trauma.

So when these terms are used as jokes or punch lines, it can feel dismissive to those who live with them every day. Saying things like “That gave me PTSD” or “I’m so anxious about this tiny thing” might seem harmless, but it can unintentionally minimize the experiences of people who truly struggle with these conditions.

This post is not meant to shame anyone. It’s meant to raise awareness.

Mental health struggles are real. They deserve understanding, compassion, and respect. When we speak thoughtfully about these experiences, we help reduce stigma instead of reinforcing it.

At Start with Art, we believe creativity can be a powerful tool for emotional expression, healing, and connection. Art allows people to process feelings that are sometimes hard to put into words, and it reminds us that everyone carries unseen experiences.

Let’s continue to create spaces where people feel safe, supported, and understood.Because awareness, empathy, and kindness can make a real difference.

To learn more about us or how to support our mission please visit: Indianastartwithart.org

03/12/2026

We will be there !!! Will you?

Join us on Saturday, March 14 from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM at the Randolph County Fairgrounds (1885 S. US 27, Wi******er, Indiana) for a fun and engaging community event.

Randolph County United invites you to our Annual Business Expo & has partnered with Wi******er Main Street to bring you the Volunteer Fair!

We have a large selection of vendors already signed up, representing many of our local businesses and organizations. This is a great opportunity to connect with businesses, explore community resources, and learn about volunteer opportunities with local organizations.
Enjoy music, food, door prizes, and networking while supporting the groups that help make Randolph County a great place to live and work.
This is a FREE community event! Come out, support local, meet new people, and discover ways to get involved in your community.
Businesses & Organizations Registered:
AG Gowns by Small Towne Events & More
Always Home Custom Designs
Ascension St. Vincent Randolph
Blank Space Balloon Art
Bloom n Vine
Brandy Siffod
Champion Drains LLC
Citizens State Bank
Community Foundation of Randolph County
(Cultivating Community)
Community Pathways
Duncan Media Station Star 98.3 WZZY
Farmhouse Creative
Gillman Home Center
Gracies Gift
Gran's Kitchen
Grow Early Learning Union City Center
Heritage Assisted Living - Union City
Image Nations
Jenn’s Bakery
Jordan Alfrey
JR's Gutter Service
Kandi Kraze
Lets Go Trave
Modoc Gardens
Northwest Bank
Nurturing Rose Yoga
Parker Health & Rehabilitation Center
Pregnancy Decision Resources
Randolph County Area Community Theatre
Randolph County CASA
Randolph County Recycling District
Randolph Tourism
RISE (Randolph County Invasive Species Exterminators)
Start with Art Association of Randolph County
ViaQuest Hospice Muncie
Ward Township, District No. 5 School House, Randolph County, IN
Wi******er Speedway
Antojitos Queta
Twists to Remember
Adept Plumbing & Heating LLC
Meridian Health Services
Rooster's Freeze Dried Candy

03/11/2026

Support Creativity in Our Community!

Custom Inspirational Glass Cups

✨ Only $20 Each ✨

Beautiful frosted glass cups with bamboo lids and metal straws featuring inspiring designs like:

🌼 Spread Kindness Like Wildflowers
🧠 Mental Health Matters
🍎 Best Teacher Ever
🐝 Bee Kind & Positive Vibes
📷 Artistic Camera Designs
🌸 Humble & Kind Messages
🌱 Teachers Plant Seeds That Grow Forever

Perfect for:
✔ Teachers
✔ Mental health advocates
✔ Gift giving
✔ Coffee lovers
✔ Everyday inspiration

💛 50% of every cup sold goes directly toward Start with Art scholarships, helping local youth access creative programs that support mental health, confidence, and self-expression.

🎨 Your purchase helps a child experience the healing power of art.

📍 Support a great cause while getting a beautiful cup!

📩 Message us to order or reserve yours.

03/10/2026

Tonight my youngest daughter and I attended the Randolph County Cultivating Community meeting, where neighbors, business owners and community leaders came together to talk about ideas for making our community better, things we want to change, improve, or create to help our town grow stronger.

One of the most heartwarming parts of the evening was watching her be part of it all. She asked questions, listened, observed… and of course squeezed in a little nap too. 💛

Moments like this remind me that if we truly want to make the world a better place, it starts with the example we set for our children. When they see us showing up, sharing ideas, helping others, and volunteering our time, they learn that community matters.

Real change doesn’t happen by simply wishing for it. It happens when people come together, roll up their sleeves, and choose to be part of the solution.

If we want a brighter future, we have to teach the next generation the power of kindness, service, and community because the biggest way to make a difference is to get up and do something about it.

Tonight was a beautiful reminder that even the smallest voices can be part of building something better.

The next meeting is May 13th 5pm-7pm Bee Wings & Fuzzy Things !! I highly recommend attending and bringing a friend 🙂

03/10/2026

Gratitude has a way of shifting our hearts and reminding us of the beauty around us. 💛

Today we want to hear from YOU…

What are you thankful for?

At Start with Art, we are incredibly thankful for this amazing community, the children and families we serve, our volunteers, and everyone who believes in the healing power of creativity.

Your support allows us to continue creating safe, encouraging spaces where kids can express themselves, build confidence, and learn healthy coping skills through art.

Share something you’re thankful for in the comments, we’d love to celebrate the good with you today! 🍂💛

03/10/2026

Another amazing Monday Mental Health Teen Night! 💙

We are so grateful for the incredible support that makes these nights possible. A huge thank you to Ardagh Union 65M, Community Foundation of Randolph County, American Foundation for Su***de Prevention- Indiana Chapter and 225 BBQ for sponsoring this event and helping us continue to create a safe, fun space where teens can connect, unwind, and focus on their mental well-being.

We also want to give a special shoutout to our partners Chasing Sunsets Inc for continuing to stand with us in supporting youth and bringing awareness to mental health in our community. Their partnership means so much and helps make these nights even more impactful.

A big thank you as well to Wi******er Bowl for always being such an amazing host. Their welcoming atmosphere and commitment to our community truly help make these events special for the teens who attend.

It’s inspiring to see our community come together to support our youth and remind them they are not alone.

Our next Mental Health Teen Night will be in April at Union Jr/Sr High school in Modoc We’re excited to bring something new with a basketball court setup, plus a bounce house provided by Wes & Windsor Event Rentals. It’s going to be another fun and meaningful night for our teens!

Stay tuned for more details, we can’t wait to see everyone there!

To learn more about us or how to donate please visit
Indianastartwithart.org

03/09/2026

Today we’re celebrating Jayson Wilson, Board Member of Start with Art and wishing him a very happy birthday!

Jayson is truly a jack of all trades with a passion for engines, building, and the outdoors. Whether working with machinery, tackling hands-on projects, or teaching practical life skills, he brings creativity and real-world problem-solving that extends far beyond the classroom.

Professionally, Jayson works with TK Constructors, where his strong work ethic, mechanical knowledge, and dedication shine. Outside of work, he enjoys tinkering in the garage, building and farming, and sharing hands-on learning experiences with others.

Above all, Jayson is a devoted husband and father who leads by example with integrity, curiosity, and heart. His ability to fix, build, and create, paired with his commitment to family and community which makes him a tremendous asset to our board.

We’re grateful for the knowledge, energy, and authenticity Jayson brings to Start with Art and look forward to the impact we continue to make together.

Join us in wishing Jayson a wonderful birthday today! 🎂

Photo Credit: Devon Jones Photography