We have a new logo thanks to Ms. Patty Byrd, she is awesome and is also working on some prototypes for products we will sell.  She makes the most beautiful objects completely out of found materials!  Sally will post a photo soon, right Sally?

Carol is also working on prototypes, she has made a whole series of baby booties from old sweaters and scraps of fabric.  We are all so excited to get going with this we are just doing whatever we can; even homeless and penniless as we are.

We will start posting more photos, ways you can get involved, other progress reports as they come…..stay tuned!

• The 501(c)(3) application for non-profit status is completed and submitted!  We now just have to wait until the IRS gives us an answer, which we hope will be in a few months.
• We are working with Rence Callahan and Adam Sebastian of the architecture firm Walter Robbs Callahan & Pierce.  After a trip down to the STARWorks glass studio, they are now in the process of putting together some initial drawings for the first phase of The Olio.  As soon as we have them, we will absolutely share them with you.
• Eddie & Angela Bernard from Wet Dog Glass are also involved in the design of the glass studio.  They have an amazing amount of experience building glass studios worldwide, and are excited to help us get the studio up and running, as well as figure out innovative ways to reuse energy, recycle water, and generally be as efficient as we possibly can.  (From their website – “Wet Dog Glass, LLC is the most trusted and dependable equipment maker and consultant for glass artists and craftspeople worldwide. Above all we focus on safety, efficiency, usability and durability.”  We are lucky to have them in the area, and thrilled that they are working with us on this project.)
• Marketing materials are being drafted so we will be able to properly introduce ourselves to the community, and begin fundraising as soon as we get our non-profit status.  We are close to having a finalized logo, which we will also share as soon as it is finished.  Until then, we have a few merchandise items for sale.  To get your coffee mug, hat, shirt, bumper sticker, etc…visit our merch site at: http://www.zazzle.com/theolio

So we’re definitely staying busy.

There are several ways you can help at this point:

• Donate (we will always need money, being a non-profit and all)
• Buy some merchandise
• Suggest that your friends become FaceBook fans of the Olio
• Follow us on Twitter (and suggest your friends do the same!)

We will keep you updated…

Everyone is as energized and excited as we are about this plan. It is great to find out that what we have been dreaming about for so long is actually a good idea! Everyone there had a lot of great input for the business plan, people to contact, networking strategies, fund raising and marketing ideas. So far this is a great group, and we hope to grow it even more.

Looking forward to the next meeting! In the meantime, check back here for updates on our progress.

If you would like to become more involved, let us know! We love the collaborative spirit this has taken on and plan to continue this way.

At the moment, we need:

1.  A NonProfit Attorney willing to work Pro Bono

2.  Development Director to help us fundraise

3. Website designer and developer willing to put our vision online

4.  Money – you can donate or find others who will

As time goes on, we will have more needs for different things and people.  We will post those needs as they arise.

email info@theolio.com for more information.

o-li-o -noun 1. a hodepodge; medley; miscellany 2. a dish of many ingredients

Glassblowing Studio
•    open for public viewing
•    producing quality glass work for function, art and household goods

The Stage
•    music, dance, film and more
•    multi-generational programming

The Restaurant
•    fresh, local and delicious food

Olio Youth
•    apprentice program for local youth to learn a
variety of creative professions and business skills

Community
•    workshops for the public
•    partnerships with local artists, farmers, and arts organizations

Green
•    composting, on-site garden
•    recycling and re-purposing

Support the planning and development of this unique and exciting
organization in a variety of ways.

•    Donate
•    Corporate Sponsorship
•    Membership
•    Naming Rights
•    Employment

Please contact theolio.ws@gmail.com to find out how you can become involved today!

ART
Through art, we will engage the community and local youth in new ways.  The glassblowing studio will be the first in the Triad, and one of few that are open to the public in the region.  The Olio will bring additional mediums such as photography, metal and wood to the facility in various capacities.  Creative professions can be viable career goals and The Olio will strive to highlight and enhance these concepts through the studios and retail gallery.

MUSIC
The Olio Stage will include programming for everyone.  Puppet shows for kids, Indie Rock bands late night, string quartets for dinner, live theatre productions, jazz at brunch, dance performance and film screenings are examples of the types of live entertainment that will be presented.  In addition to the artists touring the region, the Triad community itself is rife with talented individuals and groups that we would like to bring to our stage.

FOOD
The Restaurant at The Olio will focus on food that is fresh and diverse. Locally grown food will be utilized as much as possible in an effort to support the local agricultural community and save on transportation costs. The Olio will be eco-efficient and The Restaurant will be an excellent example of how to re-purpose and recycle materials for art and functional objects and reduce our carbon footprint.

COMMUNITY
Olio Youth and Community Workshops will engage and educate about the relationship between the arts, business and our community.  Economic vitality can be achieved and through various programs The Olio will highlight and accentuate the profitability and appreciation for the Arts.