Local artist gives art supplies to students

Jessie Mercer, well-known for her phoenix key sculpture in Paradise is giving away art kits to students on the ridge.

To kids on the ridge while they're stuck at home.

Action news now reporter 'kristian lopez' is live in chico, kristian, how many kits is she giving away?

Local artist, 'jessie mercer' plans on giving away*a thousan* art kits!

Mercer is founder of "butte county art on wheels..."

You may remember her as the artist who put together the phoenix keys sculpture in paradise after the camp fire.

Mercer says each art kit, which she calls "you matter bags" come with 13 different supplies like scissors, glue, markers and a journal so kids can write letters to themselves about how they are feeling during this time and then read it later to encourage themselves to move forward.

When you're selfless in art and you invite people into art with saying this might make you feel better, im just starting to see other things blossom and art bringing people together and bringing people to a place to say maybe its ok to not be ok but this is my way to express it mercer put all the kits together herself, she says everything she is handing out is safe and sterilized.

She also has a you tube channel where she offers art lessons, self care tips and fun healthy indoor activities for the whole family.

Right now - the kits are being given out at specific schools in paradise but mercer says she is working to be able to expand outside of the ridge.

'mercer' is hosting another giveaway tomorrow for students who are enrolled at paradise ridge elementary school.

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