Elizabeth Simpson (Liz, for short) has been involved in community art for longer than she can remember. From creating parade floats by hand for BB Harris Elementary to her current roles with the Norcross Public Arts Commission (NPAC), Norcross Gallery and Studios, Duluth Fine Arts League and the Duluth Public Arts visioning team, Liz strives to spark the creative flame in everyone she can. She believes that art is both a nourishment and outpouring of the soul, and in creating a platform for artists who don’t have one yet. Her boundless passion for art has been centered around awakening the artist within those that might have never explored it themselves.
Liz’s Free Little Art Galleries (FLAGs) are a beautiful extension of this mission.
Each box offers free art supplies to any local creative who chooses to take advantage. The box at Betty Mauldin was painted by Norcross Elementary students while the box at Norcross South End was painted by Paul Duke Stem High School students.
Q: What inspired this program?
Liz Simpson: One of the goals in the Norcross Master Arts and Cultural
Plan is to further engage the community in the arts. To accomplish this goal,
we knew we needed wide-spread, organic support from all ages, nationalities
and cultures. With FLAGs, we hope to expand the love of art while sharing more of it.
Q: How does it work?
LS: Since NPAC provides packets with small canvases and art supplies, we
operate on the honor system. All we ask in return is a selfie of your art emailed to ! We also encourage art swaps in order for people to better share their art with others in the community.
Q: How has it impacted the community so far?
LS: The Norcross community is luckily very walkable and friendly. We love impromptu meetups and supporting others on their artistic journey. That’s what the FLAGs are meant to promote, while fitting naturally with current culture. NPAC often shares art supplies in the boxes—and they are used rather quickly! Norcross resident Susan Rorbaugh was so excited to have canvases and brushes available for her visiting grandchildren this summer, some of who had never tried painting. They loved the experience!
Q: Where can readers find you out and about in Norcross?
LS: I love walking my sheltie, Darwin, both in the parks and around downtown Norcross. You can find us on the trails or around 45 South Cafe, visiting with neighbors. I also enjoy The Crossing Steakhouse and Zapata Tacos.
@cityofnorcross, #norcrossartbox
