About & History
Behind the Pole Project
This entire project is all thanks to BlackAdderPress, who is based in Newburyport, Ma, where he started the portpoleproject. I saw his posts during the pandemic and was inspired by his spirit and the very basis of what the portpoleproject was all about. In addition, the no-strings-attached method of making art accessible in this way is something I was able to jump into right away. Seattle's local community also works in a way that something like this would be accepted, which I also found encouraging.
The motto of the portpoleproject in the words of BAP himself, is 'it is a creative movement rooted in the principle that public displays of kindness & generosity are the rich soil in which communities grow.'
That is a mindset I highly identified with, so I reached out about starting my own chapter of the project, I was delighted that he was so excited and accepting of my involvement! Thus, the seapoleproject was born!
The Seattle Chapter
While I first reached out in the summertime of 2021, to ask permission to start a Seattle chapter for the poleproject, and permission was more than granted. I didn't actually put out my first seapoleproject drop for quite a few more months. I wanted to make sure the assets I received were properly fitted for Seattle while also giving the proper respect and homage to where it came from, and who created the entire thing from the start.
Currently, I am the only one officially participating in this chapter, however, I want to encourage anyone and everyone who may be interested in this project to be able to do so. Therefore, the assets I created for seapoleproject are available to download for free. They include text prompts to help you get started with making your own labels, and even ready-to-print labels for you to use if you wish, contact information, encouragement, and more.
Project Milestones
When we started
I reached out to Blackadderpress creator of Portpoleproject about setting up a Seattle chapter in the summer of 2021.
On Sept 19, 2021, I made my very first art drop.
Where we are today
I have successfully created the website you're now on, free resource downloads, and text prompts.
I have moved everything over from Ko-fi as I don't wish for this to appear as though one must monetarily participate.
Was able to make the first free art drop outside of my neighborhood - Beacon Hill!
Have generated a lot of interest in potential participation from others!