Help the Arts by Helping an Art School

More and more these days, the arts community is getting neglected in schools, universities and after–school programs. The fine arts are seen as extraneous, something that can be eliminated without consequence. But for many people, the fine arts represent more than just a hobby—they are a passion, a dream, a need. The arts need to be nurtured, and young artists should be taught and encouraged, not shut down. That’s what makes Steve Davidson’s burgeoning art school such a fantastic investment; Davidson aims to help artists realize their potential and advance toward a career in the arts.

Stephen Davidson, Master Craftsman, has been in the creative idea business since 1986, primarily making custom signs, decorations, murals and finishes. He specializes in gorgeous gold leaf glasswork, but also works with wood, glass, marble, granite, paints, inks, acids and much more. 

A custom sign maker and decorator like Davidson is a true jack–of–all–trades and artisan of the world. The work of these craftsmen and artisans can be seen everywhere you go, from restaurants to theme parks. Craftsmen like Davidson can be found in the arenas of hand–painting, airbrushing, carving, screen printing, mold–making and gilding (gold leaf).

As someone who has been working in the craftsman business for 30 years, Davidson has built up an impressive resume. Steve Davidson’s work has been in over 40 magazines and other publications, including A Coffee Table Book and Disney’s Newsletter (Moonlight Madness). Davidson himself has represented and promoted companies like Gerber Scientific Products, Mutoh, Iwata Airbrush, One Shot Lettering Enamel, Createx, Sign Gold Film, Sign Foam and others.

Davidson has also won an array of awards in the arts and crafts industry. He has made multiple custom decorations for Disneyland and world–famous artists like Wyland and Thomas Mangelson. In fact, Davidson was called by Disney to help with the gilding (23k gold–work) on the exterior of the Small World attraction, as well as other decorations within the park. He has also worked in many fine homes across in California, and even traveled across the country to do paintings and glasswork for those wanting something unique. 

Davidson’s biggest adventure at the moment is his project to build the finest local art school, through which he hopes to produce our future artists, artisans, and craftsmen. When people think of arts and crafts, many imagine Popsicle sticks and finger painting; at Davidson’s school, the goal will be to train the top artisans and craftsmen and teach them how to run their own businesses. Davidson believes we should strike down optical pollution, and bring some art back into this world!

Davidson’s arts school aims to save many art forms from extinction, like hand lettering and gold leaf glasswork. Davidson’s school will also show students how to use top technology to produce the best work possible. Additionally, the school will help men and women in the military attend art classes without interfering with their busy schedules. The two-year program could take longer for a person in the military, but Davidson’s art school plans to be flexible and work with members serving their country to guarantee that they benefit from the experience. 

Perhaps you’re thinking, "Art classes are all well and good, but how will Davidson’s school help their graduates?" The plan is to assist students even after their schooling is done, through initiatives like wholesaling to students until they can purchase their own equipment. And to make sure these students don’t go out unarmed, the school will also include an advertising and marketing division.

The fundraiser for the school, which will be created through Kickstarter, will be launching in May and the goal is to raise a minimum of at least $500,000. In order for Davidson to reach his goals, we are asking for your help. By helping this school, you will be helping the students, the arts and Steve Davidson to achieve his dream of helping other people make their own dreams come true and be successful in their future endeavors. A future Monet or Mozart could be in our midst, but we’ll never know unless we give them access to the arts.