This school year, junior Ava Turco started an organization for creative students throughout the school, called the Creative Community Club. Club members set up a stand for their projects to sell at the Black Bob Farmers Market every Saturday.

“People tell me they really enjoyed it in the end because they get to get out and get involved in their community,” Turco said. “It’s a great chance to see other artists and meet new people.”

Turco said she was inspired to do this after meeting with a college professor from California her freshman year. She was told that college really value creative people, which is what influenced her to start a club specifically for creativity.

“The club is full of people who just love their community and also art,” Turco said. “And you don’t have to be super skilled to join.”

One of Turco’s friends, junior Theresa Korte, met Turco through volleyball. Korte is a current member of the club and has helped run the table at the market on Saturdays.

“I joined because I wanted to help out, and the farmers market is really close by,” Korte said. “It’s really fun to come see people shop, and we can bring awareness to Southwest creativity.“

Korte said the club’s main purpose is to bring together creative students, whether they do paintings or other activities, and have them sell their creations. Students can do this either for community service hours or for profit.

“We want to help them create a community,” Korte said. “And also help them have experience with business and marketing.”

Approximately 40 students have joined the club, and Turco said around five show up each Saturday. The club has been going on for over five weeks, raising $600 so far. Turco said her parents have been a big help kickstarting the organization.

“Fifty percent of proceeds go to get our club started up,” Turco said. “And the other 50% goes to organizations, like KC Pet Project or other places, that we can trust to donate to help out.”