Kroc Center Tries Something New with Kettle of Dreams
The Kroc Center tried something new with its “Kettle of Dreams” program during the Christmas 2020 season—with great success. The program allows local artists to recreate old red kettles, using their unique styles to transform the kettles into works of art.
The program began in 2018 with the goal of bringing awareness to the Coeur d’Alene area’s robust art community while collecting donations in support of the Red Kettle program. Kroc Center Corps Officer Major Ronda Gilger led the charge with a kettle creation depicting Salvation Army Founder William Booth and words from his famous “While women weep” speech.
For the 2020 Christmas season, the Kroc Center placed the painted kettles at its top bell-ringing sites to attract attention and encourage donations. Previously, the kettles had been displayed in local art galleries and the Kroc Center. Additionally this year, along with kettles prepared by professionals, nine children displayed their painted kettles after spending almost a month creating them in one of the Kroc Center’s Youth Creative Art II classes.
“The Kettle of Dreams is such a special way to bring in the arts community and I can’t tell you how much interest they generate,” Gilger said. “Social distancing around these kettles by our donors was fascinating to watch because our artists had created 360-degree visuals.”
People seemed happy to see the unusual, colorful kettles.
“This was the first time we displayed the painted kettles out at donation sites, and we were thrilled by the positive feedback from the community and ringers,” said Colin Lynch, Community Education and Programs Manager for the Kroc Center.
More than $7,500 was raised among 14 kettle locations throughout Kootenai County.
“We are excited to continue this new tradition and can’t wait to see how our next batch of professional and amateur artists inspire the community and support local kettle efforts,” Lynch said.
Artists featured (left to right): Tyree Riggs, Julie Rae, April Near, Christina Hull, and Renae Christensen
