CREATIVITY INITIATIVE DONATES PREMIUM PAPER PADS TO PRATT FINE ARTS CENTER IN SEATTLE

“The greatest use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.” – William James.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OAK HARBOR, WA – April 2026 – The Creativity Initiative, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering creativity and artistic expression, has made a significant donation of premium art supplies to Pratt Fine Arts Center in Seattle, Washington. The donation, valued at approximately $1,200, will directly benefit youth and teen students enrolled in 2D art classes at one of the Pacific Northwest’s most respected community art institutions.

About Pratt Fine Arts Center

Pratt Fine Arts Center has been a cornerstone of Seattle’s arts community for decades, providing access to the transformative power of artistic expression through an inclusive community, a culture of learning, and specially equipped studios. Located in Seattle’s Historic Central Area Arts and Cultural District at 1902 South Main Street, Pratt offers classes and studio access across more than 14 disciplines — from painting and drawing to glassblowing, jewelry-making, and sculpture — serving artists and learners of all ages and backgrounds.

Pratt’s Youth and Teen Program is specifically designed to help young people ages 5 through 18 develop creative skills, problem-solving abilities, and self-confidence through hands-on art-making in a professional studio environment. The program reflects Pratt’s deep commitment to racial equity and accessibility, working actively to break down systemic barriers so that all young artists can participate regardless of their background or financial circumstances.

The Donation

The donation was coordinated through Bailey Zahniser, Youth and Teen Program Manager at Pratt Fine Arts Center, who connected with The Creativity Initiative after an introduction from Kamla Kakaria. The supplies were shipped from Oak Harbor, Washington in February 2026 and consisted of a selection of premium mixed media and cold pressed watercolor pads, with a combined donation value of approximately $1,200.

All pads are made with premium Italian art paper and are well suited for watercolor, acrylic, oil, markers, pen, and ink — a versatile range of materials perfectly matched to Pratt’s 2D studio curriculum.

The Impact

“We received the packages — amazing! Thank you so much,” wrote Bailey Zahniser upon receiving the shipment. “These will make a huge impact on the materials our students have access to and lower general costs for a handful of 2D classes.”

For a youth arts program committed to accessibility and equity, reducing the material cost burden for students is directly aligned with Pratt’s mission. The donation ensures that young artists have premium tools in hand — the same quality supplies used by professional artists — without financial barriers standing in the way of their creative development.

“At The Creativity Initiative, we believe that access to quality art supplies is fundamental to artistic expression,” said Gary Gillespie, Director of The Creativity Initiative and founder of Leda Art Supply. “Pratt Fine Arts Center’s commitment to young artists and to equity in arts education makes them an ideal partner. We are proud to support their program and the next generation of Seattle artists.”

A Personal Connection

For Gary Gillespie, this donation carries personal meaning. As a mixed-media collage artist and longtime admirer of Pratt’s work, he has taken classes at the center over the years and has seen firsthand the quality of instruction and community that Pratt provides. The connection was initiated through Larry Calkins, an instructor at Pratt Fine Arts Center who recognized the alignment between the two organizations’ missions.

About The Creativity Initiative

The Creativity Initiative (EIN: 99-4006559) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization incorporated in July 2024. Its mission is to nurture creativity, promote mental well-being, and foster community engagement by providing art education and accessibility to art supplies for individuals of all ages. The Creativity Initiative is the charitable arm of Leda Art Supply, one of the top Amazon art supply sellers in the United States.

For more information, visit https://creativityinitiative.org

About Pratt Fine Arts Center

Pratt Fine Arts Center is a nonprofit community art center located in Seattle’s Historic Central Area Arts and Cultural District. Pratt provides access to the transformative power of artistic expression through an inclusive community, a culture of learning, and specially equipped studios across more than 14 disciplines. Pratt is a Community Arts partner for Seattle’s Creative Advantage program and is committed to racial equity as a core organizational value.

For more information, visit https://www.pratt.org

Contact:

Gary Gillespie Director, The Creativity Initiative
501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Organization | EIN: 99-4006559
garjog@gmail.com | 425-889-9418