Since 2017, SAGE has operated as a space for like-minded individuals to come together and feel like they’re a part of something. And while over the years “like-minded” has defaulted to “creative individuals”, let’s define what that REALLY means for us…
SAGE actually began when two small business makers mentioned within their daily messenger conversation that we needed to be able to be there for others. Not artists, not craft show entrepreneurs, not musicians, writers, teachers, talented kids…nothing that specific. JUST HUMANS IN OUR COMMUNITY WHO MIGHT NEED US.
We choose to express ourselves through art and creating with our hands and minds. We choose to express who we are through the physical adaptation of our deepest emotions and passions. And we choose to take our own abilities and experiences and share them with anyone who needs the hand up.
Hear us: ANYONE
We realize these days it’s not just about the art. It’s about walking through our doors and giving your mental health the boost it needs to be present in your community. Loneliness shaves 15 years off life expectancy…we’re working to combat that.
We’re here for you. We’re here to empower you to be you.
And we’re busting our asses to break down the gates of the current “arts scene” and hold space for an array of authentic art that’s being created from all demographics in our city.
So…need some community?
Currently, we host:
Musicians Meet Up: 2nd Thursday each month
Open Studio: 3rd Tuesday each month
Free Art Exhibits: At least monthly.
Creatively Engaged Community: Ongoing as partnerships with local non-profits.
A Facebook group to communicate with fellow creatives: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SAGEGreenBay/
Love music but don’t dabble or play?
Attend a meet up; I know they’d love to share.
Need someone to run ideas by or share your art with?
Show up for Open Studio and gain a little guidance, or join our Facebook group of misfits.
Love art and a variety of voices?
We’ve got a stellar lineup that we’re constantly adding to.
Let’s build a diverse, inclusive, accessible, and incredibly COLORFUL community.
Explore SAGE’s Current Projects
A Presence in the Community
SAGE has always felt the need to have a presence within the community. In 2021, after bouncing around for several years, our organization finally landed in downtown Green Bay. It was important to us that we be accessible by walking or bus lines, as well as foster a space of authenticity and comfort. A “walk right in” space wasn’t going to work for us; we needed a safe space for anyone wanting to join us. By opening our doors with the simple statement, “Just come hang out”, we’ve created a space that’s about more than art…
…it’s about feeling welcome and valued.
The Little Art Boutique
The Little Art Boutique (we’ve dubbed it The L.A.B., for short), is an online shop that encourages our local artists and creative to think “beyond the market” and create a unique piece of work that showcases who they are.
As an advocate organization for the arts and culture in our community, we sought to create a place where artists and creatives didn’t need to concern themselves with what might sell, what’s trendy, and how much money they’d need to invest in order to make a go of it. We just wanted to take all those ideas in their heads and bring them to life.
Our program, Creative Community, facilitates a free open studio, stocked with donated supplies that anyone within our community can make use of. The L.A.B. takes things one step further, providing the opportunity for those that have made something at Creative Community to test the market with their product.
The L.A.B. will be stocked with creations and works of art that won’t be around long, as the goal is to test the idea, then send the creative behind it on their way to sustain the demand. We’re also using the shop to stock our Artist of the Month prints, SAGE swag, and supplies to spark your own creativity and imagine all the possibilities. Be sure to check back often, you never know what we might have up for grabs.
Open Studio Night
We used to refer to Open Studio as “Creative Community”, but after a bit of trial and error, we found it was too specific to expect folks to show up and make. Maybe you wanna chat about your creative business, maybe you want to bring in your latest piece for a peer critique. Wanna make use of the art supplies we have…heck yes. Honestly, Open Studio has been home to it all, and, most importantly, its been a space where people can feel encouraged to create, encouraged to share, and supported every step of the way.
Open Studio is held the 3rd Tuesday of every month from 530-8pm. We’re up for whatever…from art to advocacy to social justice and true expression.
You just gotta step through the door…anything can happen in the presence of creative energy.
Collaborating for the sake of the Whole
In the winter of 2022, SAGE began testing a collaborative effort with local service-oriented non-profits and artists serving as mentors to their guests. We began with programming at the Micah Center for St. John’s Ministries and Safe Shelter at Oneida. During these sessions, the artist functions as a “creative mentor”, assisting with each participant answering the questions
“What is it you want to say?”…and…
“How do you want to say it?”
In the fall of 2022, SAGE received a grant to begin work on developing formal written and virtual training for more artists to serve as mentors. During the first and second quarters of 2023, SAGE will create this training content, implementing training more artists to serve as mentors as soon as more funding can be secured. The formal training program and materials will be marketed through our website, serving as a platform of sustainability for our organization by being a funding source without need for grants or donations.
“Warm Up to the Mic”
Musicians’ Meetup
Art from Different Perspectives
In 2022, the board at SAGE tested a program simply titled “One Night Only”. These quarterly exhibits were held for, you guessed it, one night only, and four of our board members curated whatever art they wanted to showcase. With a focus on showcasing artists in our local community, we saw art in many forms and for many reasons, from fashion and adornment to storytelling, multi-passionate individuals, and art as social justice. With each quarter, attendance at these events grew, and SAGE really got a chance to “exhibit outside the box”. Each event features snacks from local small businesses, as well as music from local individuals and groups.
For the artists, our “One Night Only” exhibits fall right in line with our mission: to advocate for the artist and a thriving arts ecosystem. There is no fee for artists to apply to our events, and we do not take a commission for any work sold inside our studio. Musicians are compensated for their time and talents, and snacks (yay, snacks!) are factored in to our budget for each event. Donor dollars towards our “One Night Only” events only help us do that much more to showcase artists and invite the community to participate in the creative sector that is arts and culture.
Art to Share the Community
Our organization has always served as a platform for artists to collaborate on projects, bringing together different talents for a variety of reasons. In 2023, SAGE launched “Ancestral Papers”, a self-published zine with content coming from stories collected from citizens of the Green Bay Area. Limited copies are available for free within the downtown area, with additional copies available for sale to raise money for the organization and compensate the artists for their work.
Public Art Consulting and Facilitation
The Toy Maker’s Fundraiser
As an annual fundraiser now three years running, SAGE hosts “The Toy Maker’s Fundraiser”, our ONLY large fundraiser of the year, each November/December. 30 stuffed animals are handmade by our Board President, Stacey Von Busch, and distributed to 30 area artists to “make their mark”.
Currently the Toy Maker’s Fundraiser is an online auction, as well as an in person exhibit at the Neville Public Museum. In 2022, SAGE raised $5,000 between the online auction and a special launch event at Hinterland Brewery.
