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This Crafting Collective Says Your 'Bad Art' Is Actually Perfect

The ArtFolk founders discuss how letting go of perfectionism can ignite creativity and foster a welcoming environment for artists of all skill levels.

Morgan Laurens

• 4 min read
This Crafting Collective Says Your 'Bad Art' Is Actually Perfect
Jennifer Jacey (left) and Kelly Reese of ArtFolk

​What happens when you toss perfectionism out the window and invite adults to play with glue sticks and torn paper? You get ArtFolk, the Weaverville-based collective where “making art is the only qualification to become an artist.” In this episode, ArtsvilleUSA Executive Director Elise Wilson joins ArtFolk founders Kelly Reese and Jennifer Jacey in Jen’s delightfully chaotic studio to talk about reclaiming creativity, dissolving the myth of “not being creative,” and why ripping up junk mail might be the catharsis you never knew you needed. From tackling the intimidation factor of Instagram-perfect art to building a genuine community that welcomes total beginners and seasoned painters alike, these founders are on a mission to prove that making bad art is not just acceptable, but essential.

Highlights From Our Conversation With ArtFolk

  • The democratization of “artist”—if you make anything, congrats, you’re one!
  • How ArtFolk is turning Weaverville into an artistic playground for the community, from collage to block-printing
  • Honest talk on the intimidation factor of art and why “bad art” is the best art, especially for beginners
  • Craft Club antics, community mural magic, and why bringing broken jewelry is highly encouraged
  • Mental health, anger, and the weird (but very real) therapy of torn paper and hands-on making
  • The joy and challenge of schlepping art supplies until that someday-dream studio arrives

Quotables

  • “If you make art, you’re an artist. That’s what we want to encourage people to do: make art, find their own creativity.” — Kelly Reese
  • “Even if you’re not good at it, you’re an artist. It’s just the act of creation.” — Jennifer Jacey
  • “Break the rules. Learn the fundamentals—they’re helpful—but you don’t have to follow them. The point is to experiment!” — Kelly Reese
  • “You don’t need to match what you see online. Your work just needs to come from within.” — Jennifer Jacey
  • “Come alone—this is a place to meet people. The point is community.” — Kelly Reese

Mentions & Shoutouts

Get Involved / Where to Follow

  • Call for donations: Buttons, magazines, decorative paper, fabric, broken jewelry—yes, really! Email or DM anytime—crafty hands (and broken jewelry) are always welcome.
  • ArtFolk Craft Club: Every third Tuesday, 6-8 p.m. Check online for location updates (Weaverville Community Center or Local Collective).

Contact & Social

Episode Credits

  • Host: Elise Wilson, ArtsvilleUSA Executive Director
  • Guests: Kelly Reese, Jennifer Jacey
  • Recording location: Jennifer’s Weaverville studio
  • Produced by: ArtsvilleUSA
  • Subscribe to the ArtsvilleUSA Newsletter for more stories and updates on the arts and crafts scene in Western North Carolina.

Photos: ArtFolk, Elise Wilson

All photos published with permission of the artist(s); featured photo: ArtFolk.