Promote ART with Heart

You know from the very early beginnings of Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff, Joe Miller’s one desire was to paint. He discovered he had a passion that was hidden inside. One that might have been there all of his life, but he put it aside to do other things. After starting Cheap Joe’s, Joe realized there were thousands of people just like him, with the same passion to paint and create. Younger and older, he made it his mission to encourage all, no matter their experience or medium, to make Art. He has, through the years, supported many organizations and groups that promote Art. He still does today.

I tell you this, not to promote Joe or Cheap Joe’s, but to share an email that our call center manager, Web Alexander, received just last week. I will include only part of the letter and also omit the name of the person sending it.

“Dear Web,

My name is ________ and I am a 14-year-old patient at UNC Children’s Hospital. Cheap Joe’s has been so kind by working with the Art Therapist at the hospital and giving me art supplies. I have been taking art in school since I was in kindergarten. I love Art. When the art therapist brought me the big package of art supplies that Cheap Joe’s sent, it made my day! Today, she gave me the canvas you recently sent and I just wanted to say Thank You! Thank you for all your generous gifts. It means a lot to me! Once again, thank you for all your generous gifts! I have been putting them to good use!”

Thanks,  _______

 We appreciate this person for taking the time to share their thoughts with us and we are all touched to know how we might have brightened their day. It makes us realize how important our job is, here at Cheap Joe’s. No matter what we may do every day, someone out there really appreciates the time we take with them, either on the phone or the internet, processing an order, or managing a department. The job we do makes a difference.

Again, this article is not to promote Joe or Cheap Joe’s, it is meant to encourage all of you who share the same passion, to promote ART with Heart. Share your passion with someone you love or a friend you haven’t met. There are as many ways as there are stars in the heavens to share your art and ignite a passion in someone else. If you have the means to support the Arts in your community, I challenge you to do so. Whether with money or time or talent, your support is always needed. Volunteer to teach a class at daycare or assisted living facility. Visit someone in the hospital. Donate art materials to a special needs group. Whatever way you choose to promote Art, we thank you in advance. You never know where it will take someone. You may never know the difference you have made.

To quote Pablo Picasso, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.”

He also said, “Action is the foundational key to all success.”

Take Action, Promote Art with Heart and Pass On your Passion, Today!