21 Art Center Start

Up Proposal

Laura Certain, Victoria Vargas, Stephanie Crownover, Sophie Turner,

and Graciela Fierro
21 ART CENTER

Abstract
21 Art Center was founded as a non-Profit by Laura Certain and Graciela Fierro in 2016.
The 21 team has grown to include program manager Sophie Turner, financial outreach officer
Victoria Vargas, and occupational therapist Stephanie Crownover. The goal of this organization
is to open an artistic outlet for children with different mental disabilities such as autism,
Aspergers, down syndrome, etc. which allows them to grow and explore their creativity in
various art mediums. In order for this system to work and for 21 to prosper there is a need for the
funding of art materials, the expansion to a private facility, and employee salaries; any extra
money will be used to improve the quarterly art shows.

Company Objectives
To allow children with mental disabilities to develop their artistic skills
To provide the necessary materials and resources for the different class levels
To provide the most knowledgeable and supportive staff
To foster an accepting and safe space
To showcase the artistic talents of the young artists
To unite the community

Before describing our plan for 21 we must look at the gaps in the activities that children with
mental disabilities have the opportunity to be a part of. This gap is due to the lack of resources
and people who know how to truly deal with these children who have these special needs.
Unfortunately, the lack of programs for children with special needs leads to a certain degree of
isolation from the community of not only the children but the parents as well. It also limits the
creativity of these children who with the right guidance, resources, and support can create some
wonderful, fresh, and inspired art pieces.
If this problem persists there will be a very large stunt in progress for children with mental
disabilities. The opportunities for them to become more independent not only in action but also
in thinking will be unattainable or so far and few between that many of these children will not be
able to explore their full potential or interests which may help them feel more connected to
others and make them feel more special.
21 Art Center hopes to close this gap in the community by providing the necessary resources
and support to these families while functioning as a nonprofit. We will create an artistic
community which promotes creativity, growth, acceptance, and unity. In order to achieve this
and really be able to set the foundation for a great company there is a necessity for funding of art
materials, employee salaries, and expansion to our own space. After these needs are met we will
continue to grow and bring in money primarily through donations and quarterly art shows which
will both showcase student art and promote community involvement.

Our Plan: Start Up of 21 Art Center

In order to close the gap in the lack of activities for children with special needs we will push to
really pick up our nonprofit 21 off the ground. The three areas that will allow us to do this and
truly create a positive experience for the young artists are collecting the necessary art materials,
being able to add and support employees for the art classes, and finally to begin the expansion of
a permanent location.
Phase 1: Purchasing the necessary art materials
First we will begin by finding stores that will give good prices and deals for art materials.
Then we will begin to purchase the materials for the level one class, the class where all
the children begin to sample different kinds of mediums. This will include different forms
of papers, pencils, different paint types, clay, markers, canvases, and more.
Next we will move on to the materials for the level two classes, classes that help children
improve in their desired concentration, which are more expensive and hard to come by.
This includes but is not limited to, metals, wires, printing machinery, canvases, greater
quality paints, computers, cameras, and a range of graphite pencils, colored pencils, and
markers.
Approximate Cost: $15,000
Phase 2: Supporting employees
The beginner level classes will be taught by an art teacher with a variety of skills in order
to teach students about various techniques and art styles.

 Two art teachers will be chosen for the 2D and 3D classes, one teacher for the students
interested in 2D art and the other for students interested in 3D art. Classes will be of
approximately 15-20 students each.
The start out pay for these teachers will be approximately $45.00 an hour and they will be
teaching three, one hour classes a week each.
The starting pay for our occupational therapist will be approximately $55.00 per hour,
and they will only be present during the nine different art classes.
Our project manager will have a starting salary of $50,000 per year.
Our financial outreach officer will have a starting salary of $50,000 per year.
Approximate Cost: $300,000
Phase 3: Expansion to our own space
We will begin the company using the facilities of a community center as we find the
perfect space for our staff and students.
We will locate a medium to large size studio space which we will rent with the hopes to
expand in a few years to an even greater space to accommodate more children and
equipment.
Our price range for this location is $1,500-2,000 per month.
Approximate Cost: $24,000

Qualifications at 21 Art Center

At 21 Art Center we know that the startup of any company is the most crucial step in its success.
In order to ensure the success of this company we have searched and found the most qualified
and passionate people. These great qualities make this team qualified to close this gap in the
community.
Founder and Cofounder
The foundation of a company starts with those who create, nourish, and build the idea. The
founders are the backbone of the company, they do everything that is necessary and fill in
wherever and whenever needed.
Founder Laura Certain has received her Masters in Occupational Therapy and a minor of
studio art from the University of New Mexico. These are the two degree paths that she
chose to mix when creating 21. Ms. Certain has been working towards this since the
beginning of her college career, she volunteered in Occupational Therapy for years and
was an art teacher at a community center for several years.
Cofounder Graciela Fierro has received her Bachelors in computer engineering from the
University of New Mexico. Ms. Fierro used her knowledge to implement state of the art
education technology in underdeveloped communities where she discovered not only her
love for helping people but also for art, specifically photography.

Management
The management of our company is crucial for success therefore, we have both a project
manager and a financial outreach officer who have had both great experience in their fields and
passion for helping children.
Project manager Sophie Turner has received her Bachelors in Business Administration
from the University of New Mexico. However, she also has the experience to handle this
position as she has been a manager at several other local businesses. Ms. Turner also has
volunteer experience of helping care for children of families where domestic violence is
involved.
Financial outreach officer Victoria Vargas has also received her Bachelors in Business
Administration from the University of New Mexico however she has spent her several
years being a financial outreach officer in Civitan of New Mexico. She has also been an
advocate for children in New Mexico for 15 years.
Therapy
With the kids we are teaching we must have an educated and experienced therapist who has the
ability to create an experience which is conducive for their learning. Therefore, we have found a
therapist with not only a great education but experience as well.
Occupational Therapist Stephanie Crownover has received her Masters in Occupational
Therapy from the University of New Mexico. Although she is a recent grad she has been
volunteering with therapists for years such as at the San Felipe elementary school. She

has also worked as a dance instructor to children for the Universal Dance Association.
Her love and knowledge of children is evident as she interacts with the students.

The Plans Benefits and Project Costs

Approximate Budget
Phase 1: Art Materials

$15,000

Phase 2: Employee Salaries

$300,000

Phase 3: Location Expansion

$24,000

Approximate Total

$339,000

To conclude, allow us to once again express the benefits of our plan and the costs. A company
like 21 Art Center is crucial to help children and families that must deal with mental disabilities.
21 can help build even more bridges between the community and these families. This
opportunity will give a voice to these children who at time find it hard to speak and be heard.
These young artists will get the chance to freely explore their creativity and to be a part of each
step in the creation of their work.
The cost of the startup of 21 Art Center will be approximately $339,000. This will include art
materials, employee salaries, and expansion to a set and larger facility. If there is any extra
money received it will be used to better the quarterly art shows which allow children to staff to
show their efforts to the community. It will also go to better materials, salaries, promoting of our

company and further expansion so that we can eventually have more classes and more students.
Overall the advantages of our company go beyond its cost; it can be a life changing opportunity
for these children and families and that is priceless.