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The Uncovered Artistry Project Blog has moved here.

Enjoy resources for small businesses, inspirational stories and organizations, and updates about the Project.

A gallery of artists, a community of survivors

Our mission is to support the entrepreneurial efforts of domestic and sexual abuse survivors, individuals who, more than most, need the empowerment and freedom fostered by entrepreneurship. Uncovered Artistry supports the businesses of domestic and sexual abuse survivors by displaying their shops in our boutique and providing them with small business resources. We strive to create a community of survivors, ultimately aiding them in their efforts to break the cycle of violence and abuse.

Meet an Artist: NigatsuBebe

NigatsuBebe, who creates beautiful jewelry and accessories, is Uncovered Artistry’s first artisan. She creates handmade wire-wrapped pendants that are customizable and made from a selection of stones. She also creates yarn hair pieces and pins that add a unique pop to any outfit.

More about NigatsuBebe: She “wear[s] kimono, eat[s] Spanish food, [has] Victorian-inspired furniture, and like[s] German techno.” Her uniqueness is certainly what defines her as an artisan; her wire-wrapped stones are each individuals, as no two are alike! She was already selling online when she began creating work for UA. She “crafts for a cause” by donating a portion of the proceeds from her Etsy shop to animal shelters, such as Big Hearts Rescue & Rehabilitation (bigheartsrescue.org) and The National Humane Society.

Uncovered Artistry Boutique sells the artisan work of domestic abuse survivors. We st

rive to empower the survivors by providing them with the opportunity and resources to develop their own small, artisan business. We also sell the work of non-survivors who are commited to spreading abuse awareness.

Our talented artists create beautiful items for your home, closet, and family, including home decor, artwork, jewelry, and accessories. Visit our shop.

Meet an Artist: Erin

Uncovered Artistry artisan Erin creates origami ornaments and original watercolors. Her unique signature is the translucent lettering she stamps on her work. See if you can find the lettering on each of the pieces she sell in UA's shop:



Erin sells "Yellow Apple" Miniature Watercolor, Dove Origami Ornament and "Red Apple" Miniature Watercolor.

Want to get to know a little bit more about Erin? She says, "I love my mom, MMM Bop, blue, hot chocolate, warm blankets, my Nana, Burn Notice, starfish, my mom's meatloaf, pretty things, my five brothers, and brains. I am proud to be an all around geek. I’m a psychology major and a school-aholic. When I’m not studying I try to exercise the right hemisphere of my brain by creating. I dabble in music, writing, painting, clay, drawing, and Origami. My way of coping with my tough childhood is to keep busy. I try channel my focus on something positive and constructive. When I get down, and it can be hard not to at times, I just remember my goals in life and how my success would be the greatest vengeance against my abuser, and an encouragement for others who have been in similar situations."

Uncovered Artistry's Home Decor Showcase

Uncovered Artistry's fastest growing category, "Home Decor," features artisan products ranging from palm wax candles to advent calendars. Beautify your home with our handmade specialties:

Hand-decorated Clothespins by Sweet Petunias

"Yellow Apple" Miniature Watercolor by Erin

Rose Scented Palm Wax Pillar Candle by Dolly Rocker Candles

Retro-feel Advent Calendar by Sweet Petunias

Visit our shop for more products handmade by our talented artisans.

Uncovered Artistry's Commitment to the Environment

We at Uncovered Artistry also care greatly about preserving the environment. To do our part we chose environmentally-friendly business practices. For instance, Uncovered Artistry's packaging is made from recycled materials. With the help of volunteers, we create handmade gift tags, bookmarks, and mailers from re-purposed greeting cards, fabric, and sewing patterns.

Some of Uncovered Artistry's boutique products are made from recycled or sustainable materials.

Palm Wax Pillar Candles by Dolly Rocker Candles

A Word from the Artist: Palm wax burns cleaner than traditional waxes. Emitting almost no soot, it is a healthier alternative to paraffin. It is natural and vegan, like soy, but palm wax is harder and burns longer. The palm wax can also hold more fragrance oil and has a stronger scent throw, so you can better enjoy the fantastic smell.

Palm wax is 100% natural and sustainable, harvested according to the guidelines set by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil to prevent deforestation.

Reusable Advent Calendars by Sweet Petunias

A Word from the Artist: "I've made these calendars to last for your family's enjoyment for years to come. The last thing we need is more mass produced advent calendars going into landfills after this holiday season. I believe that this will become a lasting part of your family’s holiday tradition.”

Handmade Up-cycled Bookmarks created by volunteers

The bookmarks were crafted from recycled materials, including vintage sewing pattern packages, vintage buttons, and left over ribbon

Handmade Gift Wrap created by volunteers

We use recycled or reused materials for our gift wrap. Each gift box or bag is accompanied by a gift tag made from repurposed vintage cards.

Trend Watch: Italy

I have been living in Italy since January, and it would be impossible for me not to notice the fashion all around me. Italy is of course home to big name designers like Gucci, Ferragamo, and Prada, but it also boasts intriquing street fashions that combine bits of desinger influence with practicality. Italian women never leave their home without full makeup, styled hair, and a fashionable outfit. Therefore, I have seen almost as much fashion on the streets as I have in the remarkable shop windows. Below are some styles I particularly noticed:

High tops
Worn more often by the younger generation of Italians, both men and woman. The bright colors run the risk of appearing too juivenile, but Italians pull the look off with dark wash skinny jeans and leather jackets
Quilted Coats
Probably the most obvious trend on the Italian streets, these puffy, quilted coats are both warm and light. Many are made of down and run at expensive prices, but I have seen plenty on sale for much cheaper.High Laced Boots
I have seen in style in various heights and colors. It seems to be more of a spring trend and can be paired with jeans or leggings on colder days or dresses when it is warm.

Ciao from Italy,

Sarah

One Bracelet, Many Meanings

Awareness Bracelet, Created by Cheryl

This one awareness bracelet can represent so may causes: the fight to end domestic violence, epilepsy awareness, and lupus awareness. For more information about each cause, click on the respective links.

Uncovered Artistry's Community Commitment

The Uncovered Artistry Project constantly strives to be active in the community by sponsoring charity events, hosting group volunteer activities, and donating to local domestic violence shelters.

“We want Uncovered Artistry to really be a part of the community. That’s why besides donating to shelters we also donate to local charity events like the Tri Delta St.Jude’s 5k and try to be as environmentally friendly as possible.”

-Co-founder Sarah Spoto

LFC's Business and Entrepreneur Club's Deal or No Deal Gameshow, 2010

Benefits Oxfam International

Tri Hop, Lake Forest College, 2010

Benefits St.Jude's Children's Hospital

Uncovered Artistry's Craft Party for a Cause, New Hampshire, 2010

Uncovered Artistry's Craft Party for a Cause, Lake Forest College, 2010

Craft Party for a Cause

Uncovered Artistry's Jewelry Showcase

The Uncovered Artistry Project operates a nonprofit boutique that sells the artisan work of courageous domestic and sexual abuse survivors.

Jewelry remains Uncovered Artistry's most popular artisan product. UA's artisans create by hand and with care beautiful bracelets, anklets, necklaces, earrings, and more. All jewelry is made of high quality material and some even have personalization options.

Visit the jewelry section of the boutique here.

Shown above:

Swarovski Bracelet & Earring Set in Green by Cheryl

Domestic Abuse Awareness Bracelet by Cheryl

Chandelier Blue & Pink Earrings by

Pink Blossom Earrings by Cloud Cap Jewelry

Gold Wirewrapped Pendant Necklace, Choose Your Stone by Nigatsubebe

Purple Crystal Bracelets, Set of 2 by Cheryl

Vintage Style Pearl Necklace by Cloud Cap Jewelry

ShaSha is wearing Czech Glass Wrap Bracelet in Red and Blue by Cheryl and

Silver Wirewrapped Pendant Necklace, Choose Your Stone by Nigatsubebe

Stuff We Like: annie O. boutique

Embroidered Floral Peruvian Belt (narrow/ “dotted”)

$69, annieoboutique.com

annie O. boutique is a socially conscious online store that sells the handcrafted belts, bags, accessories, and cards made by women's cooperatives in Peru.

Gift Ideas For Your Valentine

Uncovered Artistry Boutique sells an array of unique, handmade products perfect for a special Valentine. We have compiled a small Valentine's Day showcase, giving you a glimpse of the many products we sell in our nonprofit shop.

Rose Scented Palm Wax Pillar Candle by Dolly Rocker Candles
Facing Hope Miniature Sculpture by The Midnight Orange
Customizable Wire Wrapped Stone Pendant by NigatsuBebe
Vintage Blue Rhinestone Earrings given by donation
Pink Blossom Earrings by Cloud Cap Jewelry
Swarovski Bracelet and Earring Set in Red by Cheryl
Vintage Style Pearl Necklace by Cloud Cap Jewelry
Purple Crystal Bracelets by Cheryl

Happy Valentine's Day from us as UA!

Meet UA's New Intern: Jessica

Jessica has been a volunteer for The Uncovered Artistry Project since the project first began. We are proud to have her on board as an official intern. Jessica will help run the project while founders Angie and Sarah are abroad.

Thanks, Jess!

More information on Uncovered Artistry's internship program and details on applying for a future position here. You can also contact Sarah at Sarah[at!]uncoveredartistry.com.

A Word From Our Customers

"Thanks for the work you are doing helping victims regain their emotional footing, for there is no life worth living without it."
-Maria, Washington D.C.

"I really want to thank you for creating this project. It's a beautiful idea and I'm sure it's going to make a world of difference to a lot of people."
-Anna, New Hampshire

UA Goes Abroad!

Co-owners of the Uncovered Artistry Project, Sarah and Angie, will be embarking on their first trip to Europe this January and February. The two will be studying abroad in Florence and Salzburg for several months. Thanks to the help of the Project's new intern, Jessica, UA will continue to operate as usual. To update friends and family about their stories and experiences abroad, Angie and Sarah have started a blog: LFC Adventures Abroad.

Aufwiedersehen!

Arrivaderci!

Uncovered Artistry Community Update: Crafting for a Cause at Lake Forest College

Earlier this month, The Uncovered Artistry Project hosted their second craft party. The party was held at Lake Forest College with help from the college's Art Club. Students were invited to create jewelry and other crafts that would be donated to the project in order to help keep the project running and to support domestic abuse shelters.

The event was a success with over thirty students attending and many beautiful new jewelry pieces created! Check Uncovered Artistry's shop soon for the new jewelry created by the students.

Uncovered Artistry plans on hosting a second craft party at Lake Forest College in the future.

Entreprenurship Grants Available to Domesitc Abuse Survivors

Verizon, which has been working to end domestic abuse nation-wide through its HopeLine initiative, donated $45,000 to the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV) grant program. The program awards grants ranging from $500-$2500 to domestic violence victims to help them start their small businesses.

Domestic abuse not only affects a victim emotionally but also financially. Often, a victim of abuse must leave her home and belongings in order to escape an abuser. For many abuse victims, starting a business may be the first time they have ever experienced financial freedom from an abuser.

"For many domestic violence survivors, escaping an abusive spouse or partner is only half the battle," said Russ Preite, president of Verizon Wireless' Upstate New York Region. "Moving forward and creating an independent, self-sufficient life is a critical next step. It's our hope that the Verizon Domestic Violence Entrepreneurship Program will help some of these women put their hard-won skills to work to successfully bring a small business to life and regain their independence" (quoted from "Verizon Giving Entrepreneuship Grants to Domestic Violence Survivors").

The Uncovered Artistry Project, which operates a boutique that sells the artisan work of domestic abuse survivors, offers microloans to artisans. If an artisan needs funds to continue her craft, she can request a small loan ranging from $25-$200 from UA's microloan fund. Uncovered Artistry believes in OPDV's concept that entrepreneurship can empower victims of domestic and sexual abuse both financially and emotionally.

Said, Marguerite, one of Uncovered Artistry's artisans who sells her work in the online boutique, "I not only survived, but I've overcome, I've learned to forgive, and I've learned patience."

Entrepreneurship leads domestic violence victims to a more fulfilling, self-sustainting life.

Meet an Artist: The Midnight Orange

The Midnight Orange is one of Uncovered Artistry's original two artisans. She creates one-of-a-kind sculptures that represent both the difficult and empowering moments in our life. Her On the Edge of Healing Miniature Sculpture is a UA bestseller.


About this piece she says:

"I am struggling past something and it has transcended to my artwork. I apologize to share darkness with anyone, but I do believe that having an emblem of expression can help bring someone through catharsis. These have helped me, and if they can allow someone else to experience that place just prior to healing, then it will have been worth it.

I sculpted this because I got discouraged with people thinking they can look at something with a bird's eye view, listen to a problem loosely, and then tell you what to do to fix it. This is for the person like me who doesn't want anyone else's verbal remedies. This is for the person who knows they need to feel what they are feeling and then struggle past it. And it's for the person who knows they are not ready to move past it yet.

We cannot see how illuminating light truly is when we never allow ourselves to sit in darkness."

You can find more of her work at www.themidnightorange.com

Thank You, Volunteers!

The Uncovered Artistry Project is possible thanks to all the volunteers who have committed their time and resources to the project. Thank you!

Uncovered Artistry's Story

Co-Founders, Sarah and Angie, discuss the story behind The Uncovered Artistry Project.

Video created by Anna Kane.

“I was so surprised by how much people did not know and understand about domestic abuse. Already, so many people have thanked me for spreading awareness about domestic abuse. Hearing their gratitude and feeling their support and hope for the future of my project has been the most inspiring part.”

-Sarah, Co-Founder

Meet Our Featured Artist: Sweet Petunias

Retro-Feel Advent Calendar

Sweet Petunias has been making (and selling) jewelry since she was 13. She’s taken many art classes through high school and college including metalsmithing and wheel thrown pottery. She’s also enjoyed scrapbooking for years, and a couple of years ago decided to try to sell some paper goods. She came up with the design for her original and fun advent calendars 2 and a half years ago. “It is an extension of my love of scrapbooking and making useful things,” she says.

"Oh Deer" Advent Calendar