Wear the Arts close to your heart with this paintbrush necklace that gives back to local arts nonprofit Thea Foundation. The necklace's name is a play on words inspired by one of Thea Foundation's oldest community arts events, Thea Paves the Way, and features a turquoise-blue glass bead in honor of Thea Kay's December birthstone. 20% of the proceeds from the Thea Paints the Way paintbrush necklace benefit Thea Foundation. Thea Foundation’s mission is to advocate the importance of the Arts in the development of our youth. Named for the daughter of Paul and Linda Leopoulos, Thea Foundation carries on the legacy of Thea Kay Leopoulos, who thrived academically, socially and emotionally thanks to her artistic pursuits.

The Thea Paints the Way paintbrush necklace is available in bronze with a 14k gold-filled chain and in sterling silver with a sterling silver chain. The chain is approximately 18 inches long and can be lengthened by adding an extender to your cart with the necklace. (Please note that because the paintbrush charm is fixed onto the chain, I’ll divide the length of the extension to both sides of the chain to keep the paintbrush evenly place in the middle of the chain.) Click here for the extender listing.

Since 2002, Thea Foundation has awarded more than $2.3 million in scholarships to Arkansas students and provided more than $1.5 million in art supplies and creative materials to underfunded schools through their Art Closet program. In addition, the foundation's Arts Reconstruction program is their focused effort to help teachers receive professional development and supplies to enable a better platform to advance in their own careers and schools. Thea Foundation's collective aim is to enrich young minds through the power of the Arts. For more information on how you can support Thea Foundation, visit www.theafoundation.org.

Bang-Up Betty is handmade jewelry and clever gifts based in North Little Rock, Arkansas. You can find our storefront at 429 Main Street in Argenta on the very same block as Thea Foundation. Hours are Thursdays and Fridays 11-5:30 and Saturdays 11-5 with extended holiday hours. Check our Facebook page for current hours.