Kamloops Art Party
Kamloops, Thompson-Okanagan
Kamloops Art Party
Kamloops, Thompson-Okanagan
As the visionary behind Kamloops Art Party, I’ve dedicated myself to bringing art into the lives of people in Kamloops, BC. Starting in 2017 as a small mobile art party business, I’ve transformed Kamloops Art Party into a thriving, multifaceted studio. My passion for creativity and community engagement has driven me to create an inclusive space where individuals of all ages can explore their artistic potential. Recently, I expanded our offerings by acquiring the largest collection of ceramic molds in Canada, with over 10,000 molds. This acquisition positions Kamloops Art Party as a safe and sustainable provider of ceramic bisque ware to other art shops in BC, generating more jobs for local artists and fostering connections between generations through creative activities. In addition to my entrepreneurial endeavors, I’m the founder of the Art for All Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to making art accessible to everyone, regardless of their circumstances. Through this organization, I aim to further enrich the community by providing opportunities for artistic expression and collaboration.
Nominations
Read below to find out why they deserve your vote in each category.
Best Youth Entrepreneur
What motivated you to start your business and what is your vision for the future of the company?
My inspiration for founding Kamloops Art Party stemmed from a deep-seated passion for art and community. Starting my career as portrait artist, I was driven to connect more intimately with my local community in Kamloops. Recognizing a lack of accessible, engaging artistic activities, I envisioned a space where creativity could flourish for everyone, regardless of their experience level. Kamloops Art Party was born out of this vision to encourage a vibrant, inclusive environment where people could gather, create, and celebrate art together. I fully believe art makes people happier, healthier and more accepting and connected.
Why do you deserve to win the Best Youth Entrepreneur Award?
I believe I deserve the Best Youth Entrepreneur Award for my dedication to transforming and enriching our community through art. As I reach the upper age limit for this award at 35, it represents not only a culmination of my entrepreneurial journey but also a launchpad for future initiatives. My work with Kamloops Art Party and the Art for All Society has made art accessible to diverse groups, creating jobs and supporting local businesses. As we plan to expand our reach by supplying ceramics to other studios and establishing more art-focused community spaces, this award would honor our past successes and inspire further impact, reinforcing our commitment to integrating and elevating the arts across more communities.
People's Choice
Why do you think you should win the Premier’s People’s Choice Award?
Hey BC! I’m Carly Schmidt, your local art enthusiast and founder of Kamloops Art Party and Art for All Society. I’ve spent years fostering creativity and community through accessible art experiences, making Kamloops a hub for artistic collaboration. My commitment extends beyond our studio walls. Through acquiring Canada’s largest collection of ceramic molds, I aim to support artists and studios across BC, ensuring sustainable artistic practices. A vote for me is a vote for a brighter, more connected BC through the power of art. Join me in celebrating our vibrant community by voting for a future where everyone can experience the joy of creating!