Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/912628
Get a job. Make some money. Learn what it's like in the real world. Teens constantly hear this advice from their parents, but seldom in relationship to the arts, where "starving" is often asso- ciated with the word "artist." Art teacher Reta Rickmers sees things differently. In an experiment at Pleasant Valley High School in Chico last year, Rickmers asked her students to form teams — or work solo if they liked — to design and pitch workable, salable and creative busi- ness ideas. ey had to develop a business plan, budget and logo, all of which were presented to an "entre-board," an advisory board of local entrepreneurs who offered advice and opinions. Students then had to create art products and sell them. "As an artist who sells my artwork, I wanted my students to see being artistic as a way of making money," says Rickmers, a member of the Chico Unified Teachers Association. "I believe in students' can-do spirit and their ability to take matters into their own hands." Students were given start-up funds, which they had to pay back, but they were allowed to keep the profits. ey designed and created their handiwork during class. Some made jewelry. Others made scented bath bombs, keychains, stickers, candles and soap. Some students hand-painted various items such as pots for plants, light switches and purses from thrift shops. RETA RICKMERS Blending art and commerce Chico Unified Teachers Association HIGH SCHOOL ART TEACHER Chico Unified School District Reta Rickmers looks on as students Lily Vang and Nicole Clemons work the sewing machine. Below, vinyl stickers made by one of her students sold out in a day. He r p r o g ra m , w h i c h s h e d u b b e d ARTre pren eurs, re ceived a on e-year grant from CTA's Institute for Teaching. She admits that in the beginning, she had no idea how her "grand experiment" would turn out. It exceeded all her expec- tations. Most students sold their artwork and made a profit at a crafts fair and in shops. e student who earned the most made vinyl stickers, which became a hit with high school and college students who plast ered th em on wat er bottles and laptops. The student found a company willing to print 100 of them for $100, sold them for $3 apiece, and ordered hundreds more after selling out in a day. "It was great to see the kids being so innovative," says Rickmers. "ey learned that when you work hard and have a good work ethic, it pays off. They 31 D E C E M B E R 2 017 / J A N U A R Y 2 018