ERATH, KATC — In Vermilion Parish, young artists are finding a platform to share their talents with the world, thanks to a nonprofit created by 16-year-old Everett Etie. Founded by Etie, KiDesign has become an important outlet for students to showcase and sell their artwork, providing both exposure and encouragement to the next generation of artists.
“Come on, let’s go see some of the art here, this amazing art,” Etie said, pointing to works created by young local artists. “Here’s some of the art you can buy right now.”
For many of the students, art is not only a means of expression but also a source of personal healing.
“Well, art is very therapeutic for me,” said Anabelle Roy, a junior at Erath High School. “It helps me get out of my head and into my art.”
While students’ styles vary widely, each finds joy and satisfaction in the creative process.
“I do abstracts, several different ones – I really don’t have an art style,” explained Noah Jules, a 5th grader from LeBlanc Elementary.
“I like making art that people can use…banners, cards. I think it’s super fun,” added Isabella Hargrave, a freshman at Kaplan High School.
But despite their talent, many young artists face a common challenge: finding a way to share their work with the world. That’s where Etie’s vision for KiDesigns comes in.
“I’ve always been an art lover,” said Etie, who noticed the lack of opportunities for young artists to display and sell their work in the Acadiana region. “I didn’t find that the Acadiana region had the best platform for young artists to really promote their art and sell it. So I wanted to do something about it.”
Since its inception, KiDesigns has become an essential resource for young artists of all ages, from fifth graders like Noah Jules to high school teens like Anabelle Roy.
“It makes me feel good to see how well it came out,” Jules said of seeing his artwork on display.
For Hargrave, KiDesigns has encouraged her to continue pursuing her artistic passions.
“I think it encourages the students to continue with their art knowing that someone is seeing it and they like it enough to buy it,” she said.
For Roy, KiDesigns has been a source of inspiration.
“It’s really inspiring what Everett is doing with the program and how he’s trying to incorporate everyone into this positive message of inspiring young students,” Roy said.
But Kid Design is about more than just selling art. The initiative also aims to provide long-term opportunities for young artists.
“With the scholarship fund that we’re also building, it’s a way for these kids to ensure that they have some opportunity for them to really pursue their passion,” Etie explained.
As KiDesigns continues to grow, it helps shape the future of young artists in Vermilion Parish and Acadiana – one artwork at a time. Etie’s mission is clear: to provide a platform for young people to not only showcase their creativity but also turn their passion into a profitable career.
And as the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. Through KiDesign’s lens, Etie paints a brighter future for the next generation of artists in Acadiana.
To support the young artists, you can click here
