What is The Olio?
Coming soon to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, The Olio plans to be open for full programs by Fall 2013!
Located in the new re-development project called West End Mill Works, The Olio will be a HOT GLASSBLOWING STUDIO, ARTS APPRENTICE PROGRAM for local YOUTH ages 14-20, a Gallery and retail operation, Artist Mentorship Program, Business Incubator Program and many other community programs all highlighting our core values: ARTS, EDUCATION, COMMUNITY, and SUSTAINABILITY.
What We Need & What You Get
We need your help! We have a solid plan and a great revenue stream once we are open; however all the planning in the world doesn't change the fact that we are not able to fund this program by ourselves. We have two campaigns planned, the first one is only 60 days and we need to raise $150,000 to start ordering equipment and pay for our share of the construction. That's a lot of money and not much time, but we are confident that you, our community, will be excited enough to get us there and in time!
In total we need $350,000 to build a state of the art studio, complete with UL certified (safe and secure!) equipment built right here in North Carolina by Wet Dog Glass. Construction began January 2, 2013 and we are optimistic we will be moved in by mid-year. We are starting our fundraising with this indiegogo campaign for $150,000, as we will seek funding through numerous channels.
We have made a few sample perks in our home studio while we wait for the construction to finish at the hot shop, but the bulk of them will be made in the fall when we are open so please be patient!
![Perks]()
![Window Charms]()
![Magnets]()
![Keychains]()
Here is a photo of the keychains, feel free to specify which color family you want, like blues, greens, etc..we will do our best to send you one you will love!
![Live of Glasses]()
These glasses were made from glass bottles with enamel labels. Thanks to Markus Parker for making the samples for us! And please get in touch if you have empty bottles for us, we have already started collecting them!
Don't forget, all our products are made from recycled and repurposed materials!
![Red Stripe Glasses]()
For example...these coasters are ceramic tile leftover from our in-laws' bathroom, magazine covers, fabric and glue! They are all unique and a definite conversation piece!
![coasters]()
*all images by Sally Gupton Photography
Please, please consider sharing your generosity with the The Olio and our wonderful programs for kids, families, adults, you. $5, $50, $5000....every penny will go towards the purchase of glass equipment, construction, ventilation and the glass studio that will be an exciting and fun place for you to enjoy.
The Olio is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, so all donations are tax-deductible. We are also applying for grants, foundation contributions, corporate sponsorship and various other funding sources. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have a desire to contribute separate from this indiegogo campaign.
We want our community, local and online, to participate and show the world that this is a great approach to arts education and entrepreneurship! Our first campaign is quick - 60 days to raise $150,000 and we think we can do it!
How Does This Affect You?
By participating in this fundraising effort you are investing in your own enjoyment and future. If you are local you can take a workshop, buy a unique gift, watch live glassblowing, be an apprentice, mentor, incubated business...or if you are online you can purchase work made by apprentices in our online store, watch videos of glassblowing, design your own piece via skype! There many ways for people to participate in art-making and entrepreneurship, we are eager to open and show you all of our plans.
This space, this program, will not only bring hot glass to the Triad, it will bring about an exciting, fun and effective way to teach entrepreneurship, sustainability, and community. We look forward to sharing it with you!
