Dogwood Arts
Art Kits for Kids
Dogwood Arts provides free art supplies to thousands of elementary students each year through the Art Kits for Kids Program — ensuring access to creative materials at home during a pivotal time in their development. Launched during the pandemic, the program now provides an Art Kit to every 5th grader in Knox, Anderson, and Blount Counties—the final year art is a required class before becoming an elective. These kits help students stay engaged in the arts, encourage self-expression, creative problem-solving, and provide a healthy outlet for stress and anxiety.
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7,500
STUDENTS RECEIVE AN ART KIT EACH YEAR
WE DISTRIBUTE TO
83 SCHOOLS
ACROSS KNOX, ANDERSON, AND BLOUNT COUNTIES
WHAT'S IN THE KIT?
Kits include an assortment of age-appropriate materials such as: markers, pens, pencils, and crayons from Sharpie®, Paper Mate®, and Mr. Sketch.® Paper from Neenah paper, custom sketchbooks, colored pencils, crayons, scissors, glue sticks, watercolor sets, colorful paper, clay, pencils, pencil sharpeners, and pencil grips. Kits are customized based on the age and grade level of the recipient to provide hours of engagement and creative art-making.
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PROGRAM MILESTONES
2020
During the pandemic, Dogwood Arts identified a critical gap: many children lacked access to basic art supplies at home. In response, we launched Art Kits for Kids and distributed 3,500 kits through partnerships with local nonprofits.
PROGRAM LAUNCH
2021
Thanks to a generous donation of supplies from Newell Brands (including Sharpie®, Paper Mate®, and Mr. Sketch®), the program expanded significantly—reaching older students as well. That year, 10,000 Art Kits were distributed to middle and high school art students in Knox, Anderson, and Blount Counties.
MAJOR EXPANSION
2022
Recognizing the program’s impact, Dogwood Arts formalized Art Kits for Kids as an annual initiative, ensuring every 5th grader in Knox, Anderson, and Blount Counties receives a free Art Kit each year.
ANNUAL COMMITMENT ESTABLISHED
2023-2025
Along with a committed team of volunteers,
Dogwood Arts packs 7,500 Art Kits annually and coordinates distribution to 83 schools across 3 counties in East Tennessee.
ANNUAL DISTRIBUTION
NEWELL BRANDS
DONATION
Dogwood Arts received a charitable contribution of art and educational supplies from Newell Brands in support of the Art Kits for Kids program in 2020. The company’s donation included thousands of markers, pens, pencils, and crayons from its well-known Writing brands - Sharpie®, Paper Mate®, and Mr. Sketch®. Newell Brands has strong ties to East TN with a manufacturing and distribution hub in Maryville.
Newell Brands (NASDAQ: NWL) is a leading global consumer goods company with a strong portfolio of well-known brands, including Rubbermaid®, Paper Mate®, Sharpie®, Dymo®, EXPO®, Parker®, Elmer’s®, Coleman®, Marmot®, Oster®, Sunbeam®, FoodSaver®, Mr. Coffee®, Rubbermaid Commercial Products®, Graco®, Baby Jogger®, NUK®, Calphalon®, Contigo®, First Alert®, Mapa®, Spontex®, and Yankee Candle®. Newell Brands is committed to enhancing the lives of consumers around the world with planet-friendly, innovative and attractive products that create moments of joy and provide peace of mind.
ART KIT SPONSORS
Thanks to these key sponsors who keep the art flowing in Knoxville!
