Meet The Founders
Hi friends! I am one of the co-founders of The A.R.T.S. Inc. I have a Bachelor's Degree from St. Norbert College in Art with a minor in Spanish and am currently pursuing my Master of Business Administration from Western Governors University. I wasn't sure how else to combine my love for art with the real world, so I just jumped into it.
I've had a passion for art since I can remember. In a nut shell, art saved my life. I went through some extremely dark times, but I made it. One of my high school teachers noticed my need for art and how it was the only thing that made me feel like myself. Shortly after, the school ran out of art classes to offer me. I simply just took them all. If it hadn’t been for that teacher who fought to give me access to the art room whenever I needed, I’m not quite sure what I would have done. That is when I first had the idea to bring art to others like myself who feel empty without it. The feelings I get when I wear my paint covered smock, or having wet clay under my nails, or even noticing how beautiful and untouched the world seems looking through a camera lens is incomparable.
Outside of my passion for The A.R.T.S. Inc., I spend most of my time, painting and taking pictures, but also Face-timing with my husband who is serving overseas in the Marine Corps. He's been my biggest fan and without him, I wouldn't have had this opportunity to make a difference. I'm excited for this journey and to see what magic The A.R.T.S. Inc. has in store.
Love,
Samantha Messersmith
Samantha Messersmith
You better read left to right, because if you haven't this probably won't make sense. I am the other co-founder of The A.R.T.S. Inc. I graduated in May 2014 from The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh with a major in Communication and emphasis in Sales.
Early on in life, I always knew that I wanted to inspire greatness in those around me, but I didn't have a clue on how I would do that. Fortunately for me, UW-Oshkosh required an internship for my major, and that's when I fell in love with the nonprofit world. During my time there, I assisted with many of the fundraising events and interacted with donors to enhance their support.
Shortly after I graduated, my passion for music increased tremendously. I was introduced to Electronic Dance Music (EDM) and my life changed forever. Here I was with two big passions and it took me a while to figure out what I could do with those things to do something I loved every single day. You guessed it! Inspiring others in a positive and beautiful way with music, and not only in a certain genre - All genres! By doing this, it will enrich the youth of today and open their minds to think in a different way.
I'm excited to meet all of you - And I hope the same goes for you too! :)
Love,
Karissa Maier
