Join us for First Thursdays!
March’s event is a very special First Thursdays event! It’s our Arts & Crafts Supplies SWAP! We don’t know about you, but we have a LOT of art/craft stuff at our houses! Some of it’s being used, to be sure, but SOME of it is ready for a new home. (We’re looking at you, project we started 5 years ago!) Join us for this win-win event where we get to declutter AND check our friends’ stashes for new treasures to take home.
Declutter your arts and crafts stash. (Yay for spring cleaning!)
Bring items (tools, materials, art books, etc) to the swap. (Please check that items are in good condition. e.g. If you’re bringing paint or markers, make sure they’re not dried out.)
At the swap, everyone gets to set out the items they brought and check others’ items to see if there’s anything they’d like to take home.
At the end of the swap, if some of your original items are left, you’re welcome to take them home OR you can leave donateable items for us to take to Scraps KC or similar to donate. Items may also be donated to local organizations, such as Girl Scouts or church programs.
What’s the Schedule for the Swap? (Times are approximate and may change depending on the size of the group that comes to the swap).
7:00 Everyone arrives and sets out their items to swap
7:30 The Swap begins. People who brought items to swap will get to go through the tables first to see what they’d like.
8:00 Anyone who didn’t bring items to swap is now invited to go through the tables to see what they’d like.
8:30 Clean up, and pack up items to donate.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SWAP:
Q: Does this cost anything?
A: No. People who bring items to swap will get first dibs at the items at the swap. If you don’t bring items, that’s ok! You’ll get a turn after those who bring items.
Q: Do I have to be a member of the Arts Council?
A: Nope! All First Thursdays are open to the public! That said, we’re accepting new members and you can get more info here.
Q: I’m a Girl Scout Leader, teacher, church program coordinator, etc, and I’m interested in the swap to see if there’s anything I can use for my group/class/etc. Is that ok?
A: Yes! At approximately 8:00pm the Swap will be open to anyone, including folks that didn’t bring anything to swap. Feel free to come for the whole thing or just for the second half. That said, if we get done early with the first half of the schedule we may open the swap to the public earlier than 8:00pm.
Q: How will you make it fair and equal for everyone who brings things?
A: We won’t. :) There are a few complicated methods of trying to make an event like this “fair,” (like “pricing” everything and handing out fake money, plotting beans to “spend,” etc.) but the heart of this event is that we can create a generous win-win situation for everyone. We will have some procedures for order in place, but knowing what a classy group we have we know everyone will treat each other with fairness and respect.
Q: Can I sell items at the swap?
A: No, but if you’d like, you’re welcome to bring a “for sale” sign and pictures of any larger items that the arts community may be interested in and post them on the wall. Please bring tape.
GENERAL FIRST THURSDAYS INFO:
What is it? DAC is hosting fun events open to the public every First Thursday at 7pm in the DAC room. Events will include Open Studio times, Artist Talks, Art Demonstrations, and more!
Location is in the Arts Council room in the lower level of De Soto City Hall, 32905 W. 84th St, De Soto, KS 66018. (The room is past the Jazzercise room if you come in near the gym. Alternately, use the DAC entrance on the left side of the building if you’re facing the main entrance. Look for the large De Soto Arts Council sign on the brick.)
Who can come? First Thursdays are open to all! Join us and bring a friend if you’d like!
If it’s an Open Studio night, what do I bring? Bring whatever project you’re working on, or one you want to get started! Everyone brings their own materials and gets to have dedicated time to work on their art. It’s a good time to get to know other artists and get feedback on your work (if you want it!). If it’s not an Open Studio First Thursday, you don’t need to bring anything unless specified.
Can I get more information? Sure! Contact us using the info on the Contact Us page and we will do our best to help.
What if I have a suggestion for an artist or topic for an upcoming First Thursday? We’re always looking for artists to do demonstrations and/or good speakers and topics! If you have an idea, a lead, or if you know someone who you think would make a good presenter, please let us know!