A Local Project with Heart

Here at Art Shed, we’re big believers in the power of art to bring people together. So when local artist and therapist Kerry Evitts reached out about a community project helping a Mentone family turn their garage into a safe and usable art space — we knew it was something we wanted to support.

This project isn’t about us. It’s about showing up for one of our own, in the best way we know how: through art.

Supporting a Family Through Creativity

The Cullen family are long-time Art Shed customers, a family of five navigating life with resilience, warmth, and a deep love of creativity. Their eldest son Casper is a 15-year-old artist who, despite ongoing health challenges, continues to create powerful work and develop his practice.

Right now, that space is a bare-bones garage. It's missing the basics needed to make it usable, especially during Melbourne’s colder months.

Bit by bit, the community is coming together to help bring it to life, with support coming in from locals, small businesses, and the community who just want to help.

Why This Project Aligned with Art Shed’s Values

As a local, family-run business, we believe in art for all, no gatekeeping, no beige, just colour, connection, and community.

This isn’t a flashy renovation or a big charity campaign. It’s one small project making a real impact in the lives of real people. It’s about helping a family who gives a lot, and asking our community to give a little in return.

We donated one of our Mixed Media Selection Kits to help kit out the new space, giving Casper and his family a fresh stash to create with as the studio comes together, and you can help too

Let’s Rally Behind This Together

The build is already underway, but there’s still work to be done. Kerry’s aiming to raise the final funds needed to complete the space with proper flooring, heating, and storage.

If you’re able to support this effort, whether it’s by donating a few dollars or simply sharing the campaign, you’ll be helping make this space functional for a family that truly deserves it.

Donate or share the GoFundMe here

Sending love to Casper and his family as this project comes to life — we’re honoured to be a small part of it, and we can’t wait to see what’s created in that new studio.

We’re proud to support this project — and even prouder to be part of a community that sees art as more than a hobby. It’s a lifeline. A shared language. A way forward.

– The Art Shed Team